Lateral Coupler Assembly for Motor Grader Implement Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor graders are limited in their ability to use different classes of implements due to their design, making it difficult to mount and retrieve long implements, and existing solutions do not adequately adapt them for non-traditional applications.
Innovation Solution
A coupler assembly that is movable transverse to the machine's longitudinal axis, equipped with an implement grabber and mounting element, allows for the retrieval and disposal of implements by moving them laterally and vertically to facilitate easy mounting and dismounting, eliminating the need for driving over or dragging the implement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the machine uses a traditional fixed coupler assembly design, then the machine structure remains simple, but the machine cannot readily swap implements especially long implements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler assembly is made movable transverse to the longitudinal axis of the machine, transforming from a fixed to a dynamic positionable structure. This allows the coupler to be moved laterally by the implement grabber to access long implements and then positioned back for mounting, resolving the contradiction between implement swapping capability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An implement grabber is introduced as an intermediary device that grabs the implement and moves it laterally to the coupler assembly. This mediator enables the transfer of long implements without requiring the machine to maneuver around them, achieving versatile implement swapping while maintaining relatively simple machine structure.
2Ease of operation
If the machine drives around the implement to position the coupling mechanism, then mounting is possible, but the machine cannot readily turn tightly enough for long implements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the machine longitudinally around the implement, the coupler assembly is moved laterally (transverse dimension) by the implement grabber. This dimensional change in the mounting approach allows access to long implements without requiring tight turning radius, resolving the contradiction between mounting ease and machine frame length.
3Productivity
If factory installed blades are used, then the machine is ready for work, but uncoupling and replacing blades is labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The implement grabber automatically grabs the implement and moves it laterally to the coupler assembly, enabling self-service implement replacement without requiring manual handling or complex positioning operations. This maintains machine readiness while significantly reducing the labor intensity of blade replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine includes a frame and a coupler assembly suspended below the frame, the coupler assembly configured for sideshift movement and having an implement mounting element for engaging with a mating feature on an implement. An implement grabber mounted to the coupler assembly is configured to grab an implement and move the implement via sideshift movement of the coupler assembly from a position lateral of the frame to a mounting position at which the mounting element of the coupler assembly can engage with the mating feature of the implement. A method of implement positioning for a machine includes grabbing the implement with a implement grabber mounted on a coupler assembly and moving the implement with the coupler assembly. The method also includes disengaging the implement from the implement grabber and actuating a mounting element of the coupler assembly to engage or disengage with the mating feature of the implement. The method and machine are amenable to mounting long objects to a motor grader, which are unsuitable for pick up via conventional means.