Removable Lifting Arm Section for Variable Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting vehicles with longitudinally arranged lifting arms lack flexibility in use, as they cannot easily adapt to varying lifting heights or configurations without requiring a different vehicle type.
Innovation Solution
A lifting vehicle design where the front arm section is removable and interchangeable, allowing for different lengths and types of arm sections to be fitted, enabling the vehicle to be used in multiple configurations, including as an agricultural tractor, with electro-hydraulic connectors and engagement means for secure attachment and control of the arm sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting arm is made fixed and non-removable, then the structural integrity and simplicity is maintained, but the versatility and adaptability to different lifting heights is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting arm is divided into a rear arm section that remains permanently attached to the frame and a front arm section that is removable. This segmentation allows the front section to be exchanged for different lengths or types while the rear section maintains structural integrity, thereby increasing versatility without requiring complete redesign of the entire arm assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The rear arm section is designed with universal engagement means that can accommodate multiple types of front arm sections with different specifications. This allows a single base structure to support various configurations for different lifting heights and applications, making the vehicle multi-functional without requiring multiple complete vehicles
2Adaptability or versatility
If the front arm section is made removable and interchangeable, then the versatility and adaptability to different configurations is improved, but the device complexity and attachment mechanisms are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The front arm section is extracted as a separate, removable component from the complete lifting arm assembly. This allows the front section to be taken out and replaced with different sections as needed, providing flexibility while keeping the extraction and attachment mechanisms relatively simple through the use of engagement means with locking elements
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting arm transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. The front arm section can be removed and reattached based on operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than being locked into a single fixed design
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single vehicle design is used for all lifting configurations, then the manufacturing cost and simplicity is maintained, but the ability to meet varying operational needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lifting arm into standardized rear and front sections with universal engagement interfaces, the manufacturer can produce the common rear section in large quantities and simply attach different front sections to meet various lifting height requirements, maintaining manufacturing efficiency while achieving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows change of parameters (arm length, arm type) by simply exchanging the front arm section rather than manufacturing completely different vehicles. This parameter change approach maintains ease of manufacture while providing adaptability to different operational needs
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
Enhances versatility by allowing the vehicle to adapt to various operational needs, such as changing lifting heights, without the need for multiple vehicles, through the removable and interchangeable front arm section, improving usability and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting cylinder articulated to the frame and to the lifting arm, and configured to move the arm between a lowered position in which the arm extends in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and a plurality of raised positions
Implementation Method 2
engagement means for securing the front arm section to the rear arm section
Data Source
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AI summary
Lifting vehicle comprising: - a frame (12) having a front frame portion (12a) and a rear frame portion (12b), - a lifting arm (20) having a rear arm section (22) articulated to the rear frame portion (12b) about a transverse axis (B) and a front arm section (24) equipped with attachment means (28) for the connection of implements (30), - a lifting cylinder (26) articulated to the frame (12) and to the lifting arm (20) and configured to move the arm (20) between a lowered position in which the arm (20) extends in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (A) of the vehicle (10) and a plurality of raised positions, and - a cabin compartment (32) and an engine compartment (34) located on opposite sides of the lifting arm (20), wherein the front arm section (24) is connected in a removable manner to the rear arm section (22), so that the vehicle (10) can assume a first working configuration in which it is equipped with the complete lifting arm (20) and a second working configuration in which the vehicle (10) is devoid of the front arm section (24).