Quick Disconnect Kelly Bar System for Versatile Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional construction machines are often dedicated to specific functions, are large and heavy, and require permanent attachments, limiting their portability and versatility, especially for smaller machines that cannot support heavy attachments.
Innovation Solution
A quick disconnect Kelly bar system that includes a construction attachment with a quick disconnect mounting plate, a pivotable coupling assembly, an extendable mast, a headblock structure, and a Kelly-bar assembly, allowing for easy attachment and detachment from construction machines, independent control, and configuration for transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If construction machines use permanent attachments for dedicated functions, then functional reliability is improved, but portability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the construction machine into separable components: a base machine and interchangeable attachments. The quick disconnect mounting plate allows the attachment to be segmented from the machine, enabling easy removal and replacement while maintaining functional reliability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick disconnect mounting plate serves multiple functions: it provides secure permanent-like attachment during operation, enables rapid detachment for portability, and allows different attachments to be used on the same machine for versatility. This universal interface resolves the contradiction between dedicated function and adaptability.
2Force
If construction machines are made large and heavy to support heavy attachments, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static heavy machine design to a dynamic configuration where the attachment weight is variable. The quick disconnect mechanism allows the machine to operate in different weight states - heavy when attachment is needed for load-bearing, light when portability is prioritized and attachment is removed.
3Length of moving object
If small construction machines are used to improve portability, then machine size is reduced, but load-bearing capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the load-bearing function from the base machine by using an independent attachment component. The small machine provides portability while the separate attachment provides the necessary load-bearing capacity, resolving the contradiction between size and force capacity.
4Ease of operation
If quick disconnect mechanism is implemented, then ease of attachment/detachment is improved, but connection stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The quick disconnect mechanism provides dynamic connection characteristics - easy to engage and disengage when needed, but provides stable, permanent-like connection during operation. The mechanism transitions between operational states to resolve the contradiction between ease of operation and connection stability.
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 the use of non-dedicated construction machines for various functions, improves portability and versatility, and allows for efficient drilling and boring operations without the need for permanent attachments or heavy machinery.
Implementation Method 1
The Kelly-bar assembly may include a hydraulic piston for extending and retracting the Kelly bars
Implementation Method 2
a pivotable coupling assembly connected to the quick disconnect mounting plate... operable to pivot the extendable mast, the headblock, and the Kelly-bar assembly between a horizontal position and a vertical position
Data Source
AI summary
A quick disconnect Kelly bar system is provided. In use, a construction attachment includes a quick disconnect mounting plate for connecting the construction attachment to a hitch of a construction machine. A pivotable coupling assembly is connected to the quick disconnect mounting plate. Additionally, an extendable mast is connected to the pivotable coupling assembly at a first end of the extendable mast, and to a headblock structure at a second end of the extendable mast. Further, a Kelly-bar assembly is connected to the headblock structure.