Compact Utility Loader Arm Path for Maneuverability and Load Distribution

Solution Overview

Problem

Current utility loaders are often large and difficult to maneuver due to their wide dimensions, and compact versions with narrow tracks suffer from reduced maneuverability and poor load distribution.

Innovation Solution

A compact utility loader with a frame design that includes a lower portion narrower than the upper portion, equipped with large, oversized tracks and a vertical-lift loader arm configuration, along with a keyless start mechanism and advanced control interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If utility loaders are made large to improve load distribution and maneuverability, then load distribution and maneuverability are improved, but the overall size and operating footprint increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidoperating footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the lower portion of the frame narrower than the upper portion. This creates a tapered frame structure where the width varies along the vertical axis, allowing the loader to have a smaller ground footprint while maintaining a wider upper structure for better load distribution and maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If utility loaders are made compact with narrow tracks to reduce operating footprint, then operating footprint is reduced, but maneuverability and load distribution deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating footprintVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the lower portion of the frame narrower than the upper portion. This creates a tapered frame structure where the width varies along the vertical axis, allowing the loader to have a smaller ground footprint while maintaining a wider upper structure for better load distribution and maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If utility loaders are made compact with narrow tracks to reduce operating footprint, then operating footprint is reduced, but load distribution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating footprintVSAvoidload distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the lower portion of the frame narrower than the upper portion. This creates a tapered frame structure where the width varies along the vertical axis, allowing the loader to have a smaller ground footprint while maintaining a wider upper structure for better load distribution and maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250116083A1Loader with improved arm path

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 GREAT PLAINS MANUFACTURING INC

AI summary

A compact utility loader compact utility loader comprising a frame, a first track and a second track positioned on either side of the frame, and a pair of loader arms. The loader arms are configured to couple with an attachment via a hitch plate and a hitch pin. The compact utility loader is configured such that as the loader arms are raised and lowered, the hitch pin follows a path approximately defined by a curve f(x)=4.641e0.34x. The value “x” represents a horizontal direction and the function f(x) represents a vertical direction.