Hydraulic Hook Yoke for Roll-Off Vehicle Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing attachment mechanisms for loading devices on roll-off vehicles are complex and difficult to install, requiring vehicles to be sent to a facility for installation, resulting in extended downtime and inability for owners to use their vehicles until the mechanism is installed.
Innovation Solution
A novel attachment mechanism featuring a yoke assembly permanently mounted to the vehicle's frame and hydraulically actuated hooks on the loading device, allowing for easy and secure attachment by owners or third parties, enabling independent installation without requiring facility assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a prior art attachment mechanism is used, then the loading device can be securely attached to the roll-off vehicle, but the mechanism is complicated and difficult to install, requiring facility assistance and causing extended vehicle downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into two separate components: a yoke assembly that is permanently mounted to the vehicle frame, and a loading device with integrated attachment features. This segmentation allows the complex attachment mechanism to be pre-installed on the vehicle at the factory, while the loading device comes with matching attachment features that simply need to be positioned and secured, dramatically reducing installation complexity while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke assembly is pre-installed on the vehicle frame during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field installation of the attachment mechanism itself, as only the loading device needs to be positioned and secured to the pre-existing yoke assembly, reducing both installation time and complexity
2Reliability
If a prior art attachment mechanism is used, then the loading device can be securely attached to the roll-off vehicle, but the vehicle must be sent to a facility for installation, resulting in extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the attachment mechanism into a permanent vehicle-mounted yoke assembly and a loading device with integrated attachment features, the system allows owners or dealers to perform the attachment themselves without facility assistance, eliminating vehicle downtime while maintaining secure attachment through the robust yoke-hitch connection
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified attachment mechanism is designed to be installable by the vehicle owner or dealer without requiring specialized facility equipment or expertise. The owner can independently attach the loading device to the pre-installed yoke assembly, eliminating the need to send the vehicle to a facility and thus eliminating extended downtime
3Ease of operation
If the attachment mechanism is simplified for easy installation, then owners can install it independently, but it must still withstand very high stresses during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke assembly is designed as a robust, permanently mounted structure that provides strong attachment points to the vehicle frame, while the loading device uses simple hitch-like features that easily engage with the yoke. This segmentation allows the strong permanent structure to handle high stresses while the removable portion remains simple to install and operate
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke assembly acts as an intermediary between the vehicle frame and the loading device. It provides strong, stress-resistant connection points that are permanently attached to the frame, while allowing the loading device to attach and detach through simpler mechanisms. The yoke absorbs and distributes the high stresses, protecting both the frame and the removable loading device
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and secure attachment of loading devices to roll-off vehicles, minimizing downtime and allowing owners to use their vehicles immediately after installation, as the mechanism is simple to install and withstands high stresses.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of hydraulically actuated hooks are pivotally mounted on the loading device
Data Source
AI summary
A loading device can be mounted quickly and easily to a roll-off vehicle by mounting a yoke assembly to the frame of the roll-off vehicle. The yoke assembly includes a pair of attaching potions which extend from the vehicle, and each of the attaching portions is provided with an opening. A pair of hydraulically actuated hooks are pivotally mounted on the loading device. The loading device is pulled onto the roll-off vehicle so that the hooks are adjacent the attaching portions of the yoke assembly. The hooks are then pivoted to extend through the openings in the attaching portions so that the hooks are secured to the attaching portions.