Front Loader Stand Link Operating Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Front loader stands with strong bending resistance pose a challenge for compact storage, as conventional bending/stretching links may resist bending, leading to difficulties in folding and storing the stand efficiently, thereby obstructing loader operations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a link operating mechanism that utilizes the swing force of the bucket to forcibly bend the bending/stretching link, allowing for easier propping and supporting of the stand, even if the link has strong bending resistance, by using a link operating member that presses against the bending/stretching link to release its propping and supporting function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bending/stretching link with strong bending resistance is used to support the stand, then the stand can be reliably propped and supported on the ground, but the link is difficult to bend and fold for compact storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropping and supporting capabilityVSAvoidfolding and storage ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A link operating mechanism is introduced as an intermediary device between the bucket and the bending/stretching link. This mechanism includes a link operating member that applies force to the link, mediating the bending action required for folding. The intermediary mechanism transforms the bucket's swing motion into controlled bending force on the link, solving the contradiction between maintaining link strength and enabling easy folding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the stand is folded compact for storage, then it does not obstruct loader operations, but the strong bending resistance of the link causes time-consuming folding operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space occupationVSAvoidfolding time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The folding operation is transformed from a continuous manual effort into a periodic action driven by the bucket's swing motion. The link operating mechanism converts the periodic swing of the bucket into periodic bending force applied to the link, enabling rapid folding cycles. This reduces the time required for folding while maintaining the compact storage position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If a conventional bending/stretching link is used without additional operating mechanisms, then the structure remains simple, but the link cannot be bent easily when it has strong bending resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidlink bending ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bucket is given a dual function: it serves both as the loading tool and as the power source for operating the link mechanism. The swing force of the bucket, which is already part of the loader's normal operation, is utilized to drive the link operating mechanism. This multi-functionality approach adds minimal complexity while significantly improving link bending ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the stand to be raised smoothly and efficiently, facilitating quicker loader operation and storage by simplifying the structural design and leveraging the bucket's swing force to overcome bending resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a link operating mechanism that is provided spanning the bucket and the stand, and is configured to cause, using a swing force of the bucket, the bending/stretching link to bend

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwing force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3505686B1Front loader
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3505686B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3505686B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3505686B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The front loader comprises a boom (12) configured to be removably coupled to a vehicle body (1); a bucket (13) supported at a front end of the boom; a stand (21) configured to support the boom (12), when removed from the vehicle body, in a state in which the bucket is engaged on the ground; a bending/stretching link (22) that is provided spanning the boom (12) and the stand (21), and is configured to prop and support the stand in a state in which the stand is engaged on the ground; and a link operating mechanism (23) that is provided spanning the bucket and the stand, and is configured to cause, using a swing force of the bucket, the bending/stretching link (22) to bend so that the propping and supporting of the bending/stretching link are released.