Road Grader Blade with Deployable Frame Sections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road grader implements lack flexibility in adjusting working width and effective dust suppression during grading operations, limiting their applicability to various road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A towed road grader with deployable/stowable blade-carrying frame sections and an on-board dust suppression system, allowing adjustable blade positions and widths, and efficient dust suppression agent distribution to improve grading efficiency and working conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If blade-carrying frame sections are made fixed and non-adjustable, then structural simplicity is maintained, but working width flexibility and adaptability to various road conditions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a main section and at least one movable section that can be independently positioned. The movable section carries blade arrangements that can be adjusted relative to the main section, allowing the working width to be modified by extending or retracting the movable section along guide tracks.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where the movable section can change its position along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the implement to adapt working width to suit different road grading applications while maintaining structural integrity through guided movement mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple blades are mounted on a fixed frame, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to optimize blade positioning for different grading applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The blade arrangement is segmented into inboard blades mounted on the main section and outboard blades mounted on the movable section. This segmentation allows independent positioning of different blade groups, enabling optimized blade configurations for various grading tasks such as single-pass grading or multi-pass operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade arrangement system is designed to perform multiple grading functions by adjusting blade positions. The same blade arrangement can be configured for different working widths and grading patterns, making the implement versatile for various road maintenance applications without requiring multiple specialized implements.
3Productivity
If frame sections are extended to increase working width, then grading efficiency is improved, but transport width and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable section is designed to be extendable along guide tracks, allowing the frame to dynamically adjust its width. During grading operations, the movable section is extended outward to maximize working width and grading efficiency. During transport, the movable section is retracted inward along the guide tracks to minimize the overall width and fit within standard transport constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A grading implement features a frame with at least one movable section carried by a main frame section. Each movable section is movable relative thereto between a storage position and a working position reaching further laterally outward from the main section to increase a working width of the implement. An underside of each movable section features a respective blade adjustably mounted thereto for selective adjustment between different relative blade positions relative to the movable section. One embodiment features outboard blades on two movable sections, inboard blades on another two movable sections, and a rear blade mounted centrally on the main section behind the inboard and outboard blades. A dust suppression system features spray nozzles distributed across the main frame section behind the blades, and storage tanks mounted atop the main section so that weight of the dust suppression agent provides extra downforce to the blades.