Implement Carrier Segmentation for Flexible Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power machines with lift arms are limited in their ability to attach and position multiple implements efficiently, requiring direct attachment and actuators, which complicates implement changes and reduces flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Implement carriers with pivotally mounted mounting structures and actuators that allow for multiple attachment orientations and floating movements, enabling easy attachment and detachment of various implements without reconfiguring actuators, and allowing implements to float with respect to the arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If implements are directly attached to the lift arm with actuators, then the implement can be securely positioned, but the complexity of implement changes increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three segments: the lift arm, the implement carrier, and the implement. The implement carrier acts as an intermediate carrier that attaches to the lift arm once, while implements attach to the carrier multiple times. This segmentation eliminates the need to reconfigure actuators when changing implements, as the actuator remains attached to the lift arm and simply repositions the implement carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement carrier serves as an intermediary between the lift arm and the implement. Instead of attaching actuators directly to implements, the actuator attaches to the implement carrier, which then carries the implement. This intermediary allows implements to be changed without moving or reconfiguring the actuator, significantly simplifying the implement change process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If implements are fixed in specific positions, then positioning precision is improved, but the ability to adapt to different task requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The implement carrier is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities through multiple mounting features that allow the implement to be attached in different orientations and positions. The actuator can dynamically reposition the implement carrier to various attitudes, enabling the same implement to perform different functions based on its orientation, thus providing adaptability while maintaining precise positioning through controlled attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement carrier with multiple mounting features serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment, enables various implement orientations, and allows easy implement changes. The first and second plurality of mounting features with different alignments allow a single implement carrier to accommodate different implement types and orientations, making the system universal rather than requiring specialized fixed-position attachments for each task.
3Reliability
If actuators continuously control implement position, then positioning precision is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous actuator operation, the system uses periodic action where the actuator activates only when implement position changes are needed. The implement carrier with multiple pre-configured mounting features allows the implement to be positioned at different attitudes through discrete, periodic actuator movements rather than continuous control, reducing energy consumption while maintaining position stability when the implement is in a working position.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include implement carriers and power machines with implement carriers. In some embodiments, the implement carriers have a mounting structure having first and second mounting structure surfaces with first and second pluralities of mounting features located along the first mounting structure surfaces, respectively. Each of the second plurality of mounted features is aligned with one of the first plurality of mounting features. The mounting structure is configured to receive an implement in a first attitude and a second attitude different from the first attitude.