Adjustably Pivotable Grapple With Locking Heel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grapple devices lack the ability to lock the grapple in predetermined positions, making it difficult to control the orientation of objects being grasped and transported, especially when passing through narrow gates or maintaining stability during transport.
Innovation Solution
A grapple apparatus with pivotally adjustable arms that can be locked in multiple positions, featuring a heel for stabilizing objects and a tooth for reorientation, allowing for controlled pivoting and secure object handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the grapple is designed to freely pivot about the grapple arm pivot shaft, then the grapple has high adaptability for different object orientations, but the operator cannot control or lock the grapple in predetermined positions
Solution Approach 1:
The grapple pivot mechanism incorporates both movable and fixed positions. The grapple arm pivot shaft allows free pivoting for adaptability, while the added locking mechanism (pin and hole system) enables the grapple to be secured in predetermined positions. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between free movement and fixed positioning modes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the state of the grapple pivot from purely mobile to selectively lockable. By introducing a locking mechanism that can engage at specific positions, the system transforms the continuous range of motion into discrete, controllable positions while maintaining the overall adaptability of the grapple system.
2Ease of operation
If the grapple pivot allows free movement relative to the frame and heel, then the grapple is easy to operate for various tasks, but the operator cannot prevent the grapple from pivoting when object stabilization is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism allows the operator to dynamically switch between free operation mode and stabilized position mode. When object stabilization is needed, the pin engages with the hole in the grapple arm pivot shaft, preventing unwanted pivoting and ensuring the object remains stable during transport or positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides preliminary anti-action by preventing the unwanted pivoting motion before it can affect the object stability. By securing the grapple arm pivot shaft in a predetermined position, the system proactively counteracts any forces that might cause the grapple to pivot and destabilize the object.
3Ease of manufacture
If the grapple is designed without a locking mechanism, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the grapple cannot be locked in predetermined pivotal positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components: a pin, a hole in the grapple arm pivot shaft, and a handle. This segmentation allows for easy manufacturing and assembly while providing the functional capability to lock the grapple in predetermined positions. The segmented design maintains structural simplicity while adding the required adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A grapple apparatus of a type having arms that pivot about parallel axes of a frame for grasping and releasing objects and wherein the entire grapple, including the grapple arms, pivots about a pivotal axis transverse to such parallel axes, and more particularly to a grapple which is pivotally adjustable about such pivotal axis between a first position and can be locked in at least the first and second positions thereof. A heel is fixed to the frame for supporting an object being grasped by the grapple when the grapple is in the first pivotal position thereof. A tooth is also optionally attached to the frame for permitting manipulation of the position of an object when the grapple itself is not being used.