Loader Attachment Cross Member Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment interfaces for power machines are often costly, difficult to manufacture, and prone to fatigue from applied forces during normal use, lacking efficiency and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A horizontally extending cross member pivotally attached to a loader's lift arm assembly, with first and second attachment mounting brackets configured to engage attachments, and actuators for secure attachment and detachment, reducing material requirements and welds while distributing forces effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional attachment interfaces are used, then they can provide secure connection, but they require more material, more welds, and are more difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidmaterial requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment interface is divided into separate modular components including a loader arm, a cross member with first attachment mounting bracket, and a second attachment mounting bracket. These segments are connected through pinned connections rather than requiring extensive welding, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and material requirements while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cross member serves multiple functions: it connects the first and second attachment mounting brackets, provides structural support, and enables the attachment interface to handle various attachment types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing overall material requirements and simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional attachment interfaces are used, then they can withstand applied forces, but they are prone to fatigue from long term exposure to forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to fatigueVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment interface employs pinned connections between the cross member and attachment mounting brackets, allowing dynamic movement and force distribution. This dynamic connection system reduces stress concentration and fatigue accumulation compared to rigid welded joints, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cross member acts as an intermediary element between the loader arm and the attachment mounting brackets, distributing applied forces across multiple connection points. This force distribution mechanism reduces fatigue on individual components, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If attachment interface uses more material and welds, then it may be stronger, but it increases manufacturing cost and difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design changes the connection method from welded joints to pinned connections, fundamentally altering the structural parameters. This parameter change maintains strength through proper pin selection and distribution of loads while dramatically improving ease of manufacture and reducing material requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution reduces material needs, simplifies manufacturing, and enhances resistance to fatigue by distributing forces, making the attachment interface easier to use and more cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

distributing forces effectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce distribution: Force

Data Source

PatentEP1947249B1Common pivot and support member for an attachment interface of a loader

Publication Date: 2013.11.20 CLARK EQUIPMENT CO

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AI summary

An attachment interface adapted for use with a loader is discussed. The attachment interface includes a horizontally extending cross member configured to be pivotally attached to the loader at each of first and second ends. The attachment interface further includes a first attachment mounting bracket having a generally flat portion and a brace that is attached to and perpendicularly extends from the generally flat portion. A second attachment mounting bracket is spaced apart from the first attachment mounting bracket. The horizontally extending cross member is attached to the brace and the second attachment mounting bracket and wherein the second attachment bracket is otherwise unattached to the first attachment bracket.