Laterally Shifting Attachment for Mower Implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment mechanisms for working implements on vehicles do not allow for efficient lateral movement beyond the vehicle's width, limiting operators' ability to maneuver implements around obstacles without repositioning the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A three-frame attachment mechanism comprising a primary frame fixed to the vehicle, a secondary frame laterally moveable relative to the primary frame, and an extension frame moveable relative to the secondary frame, enabled by hydraulic actuators or chain drives, allowing the working implement to be extended beyond the vehicle's width on either side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the working implement is centered in front of the vehicle, then the vehicle structure remains simple and compact, but the operator cannot maneuver the implement around obstacles without repositioning the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into three separate movable frames (primary frame, secondary frame, and extension frame) that can independently shift laterally. This segmentation allows each frame to contribute to the overall lateral displacement capability, enabling the implement to extend beyond the vehicle width while maintaining a relatively simple individual frame structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lateral movement capability in addition to the conventional forward/backward vehicle motion. By adding this lateral dimension of movement through the three-frame mechanism, the system achieves enhanced maneuverability around obstacles without requiring complex repositioning operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the working implement is extended beyond the vehicle width, then operational flexibility improves, but the attachment mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-frame mechanism employs a nested configuration where the secondary frame moves relative to the primary frame, and the extension frame moves relative to the secondary frame. This nesting allows the frames to be compact when retracted while enabling extended lateral reach when activated, achieving operational flexibility without proportionally increasing overall mechanism complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The three-frame attachment mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables lateral shifting of the implement, extends the working width beyond the vehicle, and provides maneuverability around obstacles. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by delivering comprehensive operational versatility from a single integrated system
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment for laterally shifting a working implement is provided. The attachment can have a primary frame having a first side and a second side, the primary frame can be connectable to the vehicle so that the primary frame extends substantially perpendicular to the vehicle. A secondary frame can have a first side and a second side and be moveably connected to the primary frame so that the secondary frame can move laterally relative to the vehicle. An extension frame can have a first side and a second side and be moveably connected to the secondary frame so that the extension frame can move laterally relative to the vehicle. A working implement, such as a mower, can be operably connectable to the extension frame so that the working implement can be shifted laterally relative to the vehicle using the attachment.