Post Driving Implement With Gravity Pivot Grabbing Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post handling implements require posts to be oriented transversely to the direction of travel, limiting their operational areas and efficiency in picking up and pounding posts into the ground.
Innovation Solution
A post driving implement that attaches to a power machine, allowing posts to be picked up inline with the direction of travel and rotated under gravity to align with a pounding mechanism for efficient insertion into the ground, using a grabbing tool with pivotable arms and a locking mechanism to secure the post in position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If posts are required to be oriented transverse to the direction of travel for picking up, then the implement can reliably grasp and position posts, but the operational area is limited and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grabbing tool is designed with pivotable arms that can dynamically adjust their orientation. The arms pivot from an initial position where they extend generally in-line with the direction of travel to a final position where they extend transverse to the direction of travel, allowing the tool to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining reliable post grasping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The grabbing tool transitions from a one-dimensional linear configuration (arms in-line with travel direction) to a two-dimensional configuration (arms extending transverse to travel direction). This dimensional change allows the tool to access posts in various orientations and positions, expanding the operational area without compromising the grasping function
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate post driver is used to place posts into the ground, then the post handling function is separated, but the device complexity increases and task efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The implement merges the post handling function (grabbing tool) and the post driving function (pounding mechanism) into a single integrated system. The grabbing tool and pounding mechanism work together as one unified implement, eliminating the need for separate equipment and operators, thereby simplifying the overall system while significantly improving task efficiency through continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The single implement performs multiple functions: it can pick up posts from the ground, transport them, position them vertically, and drive them into the ground. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required separate specialized equipment, reducing device complexity while enhancing productivity
3Device complexity
If the grabbing tool arms are fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but the post cannot be rotated to the desired attitude for pounding
Solution Approach 1:
The grabbing tool arms are designed to pivot about pivot points, transforming from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. This pivoting capability allows the arms to rotate and position the post at the desired attitude for pounding, while the pivot mechanism itself remains a relatively simple mechanical joint that does not significantly increase overall device complexity
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
Enables efficient picking up and pounding of posts without the need for transverse orientation, allowing for broader operational areas and improved task efficiency by aligning posts vertically under the pounding mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
allows the post to rotate under the force of gravity to a second position in which the post is inline with a pounding mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include post driving implements which attach to a power machine such as a loader in order to pick up posts of various sizes and materials and/or to drive the posts into the ground. In some exemplary disclosed embodiments, the post driving implement allows a post to be picked up when positioned inline with a direction of power machine travel and allows the post to rotate under the force of gravity to a second position in which the post is inline with a pounding mechanism for pounding the post into the ground. Catch mechanisms can be included to capture a portion of the implement to maintain the post in the second position until a release action is taken or a release command is given.