Pivotable Serpentine Back Wall for Low Overhead Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front bucket loaders are not adequately designed to operate in low overhead space environments such as chicken and turkey houses, where space constraints and material handling requirements are unique and challenging.
Innovation Solution
A front bucket loader apparatus with a pivotable serpentine back wall and a hydraulic assembly protected within a slatted rear mount, allowing for efficient material handling and ejection in low overhead spaces without obstructing the vehicle's maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional front bucket loader is used, then material handling capability is provided, but the device cannot operate effectively in low overhead space environments
Solution Approach 1:
The back wall is designed as a pivotable component that can rotate between a retracted position (parallel to the front of the bucket) and an extended position (perpendicular to the front of the bucket). This dynamic configuration allows the same structure to minimize overhead clearance during operation while maintaining full material handling capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector mechanism transitions from a linear piston arrangement to a pivotable back wall system that operates in multiple dimensions. The back wall pivots on a horizontal axis, allowing it to move between retracted and extended positions, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions to resolve the contradiction between compact overhead clearance and material ejection capability.
2Productivity
If a piston directly connected to back wall is used for ejection, then material ejection function is achieved, but the hydraulic assembly obstructs maneuverability in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic assembly is extracted from the traditional position directly behind the bucket and relocated to the rear of the vehicle. This separation allows the hydraulic components to be positioned where they do not interfere with the vehicle's maneuverability in tight spaces, while still providing the necessary power for material ejection through the pivotable back wall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A pivot mechanism serves as an intermediary between the hydraulic piston and the back wall. The piston drives the pivot mechanism, which in turn rotates the back wall into its ejection position. This intermediary system allows the hydraulic force to be applied without requiring the piston to be directly connected to the back wall, thereby relocating the hydraulic assembly to a less obstructive position.
3Length of stationary object
If the hydraulic assembly is positioned beneath the front bucket, then overhead space is preserved, but protection for the hydraulic components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic assembly is nested within a protective enclosure at the rear of the vehicle. This nested configuration allows the hydraulic components to be shielded from damage and environmental factors while being positioned in a location that does not obstruct overhead clearance. The protective enclosure acts as a container that safeguards the nested hydraulic components.
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
The apparatus enables effective material handling and ejection in low overhead environments, such as chicken and turkey houses, by ensuring the hydraulic assembly is protected and does not obstruct the space, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic assembly with a profile beneath the front bucket attached to and protected within the slatted rear mount of the front bucket for moving the one-piece pivotable serpentine back wall along the bottom plate of the front bucket, including: an upper swing arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the upper swing arm attached to a rear mount of the front bucket, the second end of the upper swing arm attached to a hydraulic piston for moving in an arcuate path
Data Source
AI summary
A front bucket loader apparatus for operating in low overhead space environments comprises a front bucket with a bottom plate with a front edge, an opposing back edge, a left edge and an opposing right edge. The front bucket further has a left side wall attached to the left side of the bottom plate and a right side wall attached to the right side of the bottom plate. Further, it is configured with a top support bracket attached to the left side wall and to the right side wall. Further, the front bucket has a pivotable serpentine back wall, the pivotable serpentine back wall having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being supported by the top support bracket and the lower portion of the pivotable serpentine back wall configured for engaging the bottom plate of the front bucket. Lastly the front bucket has a slatted rear mount directly opposing the pivotable serpentine back wall. The front bucket loader further comprises a hydraulic assembly attached to the slatted rear mount of the front bucket and operatively connected to the pivotable serpentine back wall of the front bucket.