Hydraulic Power Bucket Segmented Swing Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic power buckets are expensive due to the need for massive hydraulic cylinders and pumps, have slow cycle times, and cause excessive vertical displacement of cutting edges, which is undesirable in applications like underwater dredging where precision is required.
Innovation Solution
A power bucket design featuring pivotally secured swing arms with hydraulic actuators and a pressure accumulator to reduce the size of hydraulic pumps and minimize vertical displacement of cutting edges during closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If massive hydraulic cylinders are used to close large power bucket halves, then sufficient closing power is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power bucket is divided into two separate halves that pivot independently, allowing each half to be closed by a smaller hydraulic cylinder rather than requiring one massive cylinder to close the entire bucket. This segmentation enables the use of less expensive, smaller hydraulic components while achieving the same closing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing mechanism transitions from vertical actuation (massive vertical cylinders) to rotational actuation at the pivot point. By applying hydraulic force at a perpendicular distance from the pivot axis, the system uses torque multiplication to achieve closing force with smaller actuators, reducing manufacturing cost.
2Power
If massive hydraulic pumps are used to power hydraulic cylinders, then sufficient power is provided to open and close bucket halves, but equipment cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic power requirement is segmented into two separate systems (one for each bucket half), allowing the use of smaller, less expensive hydraulic pumps that each power a single actuator rather than requiring one large pump to power a massive cylinder system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system transitions from high-force vertical pushing to rotational torque application. This dimensional change in force application allows smaller pumps to generate sufficient power by leveraging the mechanical advantage of the pivot geometry and actuator placement.
3Force
If hydraulic fluid is pumped under high pressure to close the power bucket, then closing power is achieved, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing action is segmented into two simultaneous independent actions (closing left half and closing right half), effectively halving the time required to close the entire bucket compared to a single massive cylinder system that would move the entire load sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses rotational motion at the pivot point rather than linear vertical motion. This allows the actuators to apply force more efficiently through torque, achieving faster angular acceleration and reducing the time required to complete the closing cycle.
4Manufacturing precision
If cutting edges are positioned to engage the load horizontally, then minimal vertical displacement is achieved, but sufficient closing force becomes difficult to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuators apply force in a direction perpendicular to the cutting edge engagement (rotational torque at the pivot) rather than vertically downward. This dimensional change in force application allows the cutting edges to engage horizontally with minimal vertical displacement while still achieving sufficient closing force through the mechanical advantage of the pivot geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot point acts as a fulcrum that provides mechanical advantage, allowing smaller hydraulic actuators to generate sufficient closing force by leveraging the weight and position of the bucket halves themselves. The system uses the inherent geometry of the pivot to multiply the hydraulic force applied.
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
The design reduces the cost and size of hydraulic components, enhances cycle efficiency, and achieves a level cut with minimal vertical displacement, making it suitable for precise operations like dredging.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure accumulator to reduce the size of hydraulic pumps
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic actuators to move the power bucket between an open and a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A power bucket having a first and second swing arm, each having two ends. The first end of each swing arm are pivotally secured together. A first bucket half is then pivotally secured to the other end of the swing arm and, likewise, a second bucket half is pivotally mounted to the second swing arm and the bucket halves are in turn pivotally secured together. A first and second hydraulic actuator are operatively connected between the first swing arm and the first bucket half and the second swing arm and the second bucket half, respectively. The hydraulic rods for the actuators are movable between a retracted position in which the bucket is open, and an extended position in which the bucket is closed.