Lockable Guiding Device for Soil Compaction Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guiding devices for soil compaction tools lack a secure and easy mechanism to transition the guide pole from a working position to a vertical transport position, risking accidental detachment and injury, especially under high forces during operation or transport.

Innovation Solution

A guiding device featuring a deformable spring element connected to a support member, allowing the guide pole to be securely locked in the working position and easily pivoted to the transport position using a pedal-activated force transmission element, with a damping effect to prevent unintentional lowering, and a securing mechanism to enhance safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the guide pole is left in the working position during transport, then the operator can access it easily, but it occupies additional space and risks accidental detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of guide poleVSAvoidspace occupied during transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide pole is designed to be dynamically repositionable between a horizontal working position and a vertical transport position. The deformable spring member enables this dynamic transformation, allowing the guide pole to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the guide pole is pivoted to a vertical position for transport, then space is saved, but the locking mechanism may release under high forces during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupied during transportVSAvoidsecurity of locked position
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable spring member serves as a cushioning element that absorbs and dampens forces acting on the locking mechanism. By incorporating this spring element beforehand into the locking system, the patent prevents unintended release of the guide pole even when subjected to high forces during operation, thus maintaining reliability while enabling compact transport position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If a simple locking mechanism is used for the guide pole, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot prevent accidental folding under high forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplexity of locking mechanismVSAvoidprevention of unintentional folding
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the deformable spring member that automatically engages and disengages the locking position based on force conditions. The spring element inherently provides the locking function without requiring additional complex components or active control systems, thus achieving high reliability with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the guide pole is locked securely in the vertical position, then accidental lowering is prevented, but it requires a complex activation mechanism for position change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of accidental loweringVSAvoidcomplexity of position transition mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the operator's body weight and natural leg movement to activate the position transition through the pedal-actuated force transmission element. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex motorized or hydraulically actuated mechanisms, achieving reliable position changes using simple mechanical elements that leverage human motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures the guide pole is securely locked in the transport position, preventing accidental lowering and injury, while allowing easy transition between positions, maintaining stability under high forces and impacts, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a deformable spring element connected to a support member, allowing the guide pole to be securely locked in the working position and easily pivoted to the transport position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

with a damping effect to prevent unintentional lowering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2947205B1Lockable guiding device for a working equipment
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 WACKER NEUSON PRODUKTION GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2947205B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2947205B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2947205B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Guide device (200) for guiding a work implement (210) with a drawbar bracket (220) serving as a connecting element, a drawbar (230) serving as a drawbar element, which is connected to the drawbar bracket (220), is movable relative to the drawbar bracket (220) into a first position or a second position and can be connected to the work implement (210) via the drawbar bracket (220); and a hook (240) serving as a support element, which is connected to the drawbar bracket (220) via a deformable spring element (250) and holds the drawbar (230) in the first position by supporting the drawbar (230) on the hook (240). In this case, the spring element (250) can be deformed by moving the hook (240) and the drawbar (230) can be pivoted into the second position after deformation of the spring element (250).