Loader Bucket Segmented Front Half Sliding Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional material handling buckets for loaders are limited in maneuverability and loading capacity, often resulting in material spillage during operation, and require complex control sequences for scraping and loading, which can be imprecise and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A material handling bucket apparatus with a sliding mechanism allowing the bucket front half to slide linearly and pivot independently of the bucket back half, enabled by a system of linkage arms and hydraulic actuation, allowing for easier loading and reduced spillage through enhanced control simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional material handling buckets use a single pivot point configuration, then the bucket structure is simple, but the bucket maneuverability and loading capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket is divided into two independent sections: a front half and a back half, each capable of independent movement. The front half can pivot and slide relative to the back half, allowing separate control of each section for enhanced maneuverability during loading and scraping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bucket employs a dynamic linkage system with multiple degrees of freedom, including pivot points and sliding mechanisms, that allow the bucket sections to move independently and adaptively during operation, rather than being constrained to fixed angular adjustments.
2Productivity
If conventional buckets require simultaneous tilting and closing of bucket sections, then the control sequence is complex, but the operator must perform multiple actions, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented to independently control the front and back bucket sections. The front half can be actuated separately from the back half, allowing the operator to perform scraping, loading, and leveling operations with simplified control sequences rather than coordinated multi-action sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The front bucket half can be positioned and prepared for loading before the back half is tilted for material discharge. This preliminary positioning capability allows the operator to optimize the loading sequence without waiting for the back half to be in a specific position, improving overall operational efficiency.
3Loss of substance
If the bucket front half is closed against the back half during loading, then the bucket appears compact, but material spills out of the front of the bucket
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket is segmented into front and back halves that can move independently, allowing the front half to remain slightly open or positioned away from the back half during loading operations. This independent positioning prevents material spillage while maintaining a compact overall configuration when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic linkage system allows the bucket to transition between compact and operational configurations. During loading, the front half can be dynamically positioned to prevent spillage, and during transport, the bucket can be compacted without causing material loss.
4Length of moving object
If conventional buckets use a fixed pivot point for the front half, then the linkage system is simple, but the lateral reach of the bucket on the ground surface is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system is segmented into multiple independent linkage sets for the front and back bucket halves. This segmentation allows the front half to achieve extended lateral reach through its own independent linkage mechanism while the back half maintains its positioning through a separate linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bucket linkage system incorporates movement in multiple dimensions: the front half can pivot vertically, slide horizontally relative to the back half, and achieve lateral reach through coordinated movement. This multi-dimensional movement capability extends the effective working radius beyond what a single pivot point could provide.
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 apparatus enables efficient loading and reduced spillage by allowing the bucket front half to move independently, extending its reach and allowing for easier operation with a single control input, improving loading capacity and reducing material loss during handling.
Implementation Method 1
The control means operate with the hydraulic power unit to direct hydraulic fluid under pressure to a pair of front bucket actuating cylinders
Data Source
AI summary
A material handling bucket apparatus including a material handling bucket and method of use thereof. The material handling bucket includes a bucket back half and a bucket front half. The bucket back half is configured to engage a loader. The bucket back half includes a plurality of guide slots and a dozer scraping lip configured to engage a surface. The bucket front half is pivotally coupled to the bucket back half. The bucket front half includes a plurality of slide members receivable in the plurality of guide slots. The plurality of slide members are configured to slide within the plurality of guide slots to allow the bucket front half to move linearly and pivotally relative to the bucket back half.