Ground Milling Machine Mounting via Graduated Alignment Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground milling machines face challenges in quickly and easily mounting and dismounting milling units due to inaccessible fastening screws, requiring significant force and time, especially in constricted spaces, which hinders efficient operation and versatility in milling different widths.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two alignment devices for a graduated alignment process, dividing the alignment into a 'pre-alignment phase' and a 'fine alignment phase' to facilitate faster and simpler mounting of the milling unit, using wedge surfaces and flexible suspension connections to guide the milling unit into precise position, and a quick coupling system for fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If massive fastening screws and lock nuts are used to detachably fasten the milling drum box to the machine frame, then the milling unit can be securely fastened, but the fastening screws become hardly accessible and require significant force and time for mounting and dismounting
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into multiple components: alignment devices (first and second) that guide the milling unit into position, and fastening means that secure the unit once aligned. This segmentation allows the alignment function and fastening function to be performed separately, with alignment devices facilitating easy positioning before the fastening screws are engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment devices act as intermediaries between the milling unit and the machine frame. These devices include alignment elements that extend into alignment openings, providing a guiding mechanism that facilitates the connection process without requiring direct manipulation of the fastening screws themselves.
2Reliability
If massive fastening screws are used to secure the milling unit, then reliable fastening is achieved, but great force must be applied for mounting and dismounting which is challenging in constricted spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment devices perform preliminary positioning action before the fastening screws are engaged. The alignment elements extend into alignment openings to guide the milling unit into the correct position, ensuring proper alignment is achieved before fastening begins. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent fastening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical alignment process is replaced with a guided alignment system using alignment devices and elements. Instead of requiring operators to manually position and align heavy components while applying great force, the alignment elements provide a mechanical guide that automatically positions the milling unit correctly.
3Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used for the milling unit, then secure attachment is achieved, but time expenditure for mounting and dismounting or changing the milling unit is comparatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting process is segmented into distinct phases: alignment phase using alignment devices, and fastening phase using fastening means. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with alignment devices enabling quick positioning before fastening begins, thereby reducing total mounting time.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment devices perform preliminary positioning action before fastening is engaged. The alignment elements extend into alignment openings to guide the milling unit into correct position, ensuring proper alignment is achieved before fastening begins. This preliminary action significantly reduces the time required for the overall mounting process.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time and effort required for mounting and dismounting the milling unit, minimizes wear on fastening devices, and allows for quicker exchange of milling units, enhancing operational efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the first alignment device having wedge surfaces essentially acting in the horizontal direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods for mounting a milling unit of a ground milling machine and to a ground milling machine comprising a mountable and dismountable milling unit.