Milling Machine Drive Assembly Positioning and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional milling machines face difficulties in positioning and locking rear drive assemblies between outside and inside positions without manual intervention, leading to stress on components and complex mechanisms, which complicates steering and intermediate position locking.
Innovation Solution
A positioning assembly for milling machines that includes a frame, pivot assembly, and actuators to move and lock the drive assembly between lateral positions outside and inside the machine housing, allowing for steering in any position, eliminating the need for manual locking pins and reducing component stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the drive assembly is positioned laterally outside the machine housing to provide wider footprint for stability, then stability is improved, but steering capability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly is made dynamically repositionable between outside and inside positions relative to the machine housing. The positioning assembly allows the drive assembly to move laterally between these positions, enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements - outside position for stability during straight milling, inside position for steering and tight maneuvers.
2Manufacturing precision
If a manual locking pin mechanism is used to secure the drive assembly in position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly incorporates automatic locking and unlocking mechanisms that secure the drive assembly in desired positions without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates its positioning through the interaction of mechanical components including pins, slots, and spring-loaded latches that automatically engage at predetermined positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual locking pin mechanism is replaced with an integrated positioning assembly that combines positioning and locking functions into a unified mechanical system. This assembly uses guided slots, automatic latches, and spring mechanisms to eliminate the need for separate manual locking operations while maintaining precise positioning.
3Productivity
If the drive assembly is moved laterally while in contact with the roadway surface, then operational continuity is improved, but component stress and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly is designed to preliminarily prepare the drive assembly for lateral movement by providing guided pathways and predetermined motion trajectories. The mechanism pre-positiones locking and guiding components to facilitate smooth transitions between inside and outside positions, reducing sudden loads and impact stresses on drivetrain components during repositioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
A milling machine (20) for milling a surface of a roadway includes a frame (22), a housing (24), a milling drum (30) mounted on the frame (22) within the housing (24) and a drive assembly (26,28). A positioning assembly (36) is provided for moving the drive assembly (26,28) between a first position which is laterally outside the periphery of the machine housing (24) and a second position which is laterally inside the periphery of the machine housing (24), and for locking the drive assembly (26,28) in at least the first and second positions without requiring the operator to manually manipulate a locking pin. The application discloses also a method for moving a drive assembly of a milling machine.