Rock Bucket Sweep-In Grapple for Secure Debris Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractor attachments for picking up rocks and debris often rely on singular pivot mechanisms that either push or sweep debris onto the bucket, failing to securely hold larger items like logs and tree trunks during conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically operated rock bucket with a sweep-in grapple that undergoes compound pivotal motions to initially locate and then securely grasp and push rocks, boulders, and logs onto the bucket, utilizing a combination of hydraulic cylinders and spring means for effective debris pickup and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a singular pivot mechanism is used to push or sweep debris onto the bucket, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to securely hold larger items like logs and tree trunks during conveyance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grapple mechanism is divided into multiple independent pivot points: a first pivot for horizontal movement and a second pivot for vertical movement. This segmentation allows each pivot to perform a specific function, with the first pivot positioning the grapple horizontally and the second pivot enabling the grapple to grasp and hold debris vertically, thereby improving debris retention without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The grapple mechanism incorporates two degrees of freedom through dual pivots, making it dynamic rather than static. The first pivot enables horizontal articulation to position the grapple over debris, while the second pivot allows vertical articulation to grasp and secure logs and tree trunks during conveyance, enhancing reliability through adaptive movement
2Reliability
If a clamp-type grapple is added to secure rocks and debris within the bucket, then the debris retention capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sweeping function and the grasping function into a single integrated grapple mechanism. The grapple teeth serve dual purposes: they sweep smaller rocks and debris onto the bucket during horizontal movement, and they grasp and secure larger items like logs during vertical movement, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The grapple mechanism is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of debris effectively. The same grapple teeth and dual-pivot system that sweep small rocks onto the bucket also securely grasp and hold larger items like logs and tree trunks during conveyance, providing multi-functional capability without requiring additional specialized 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 solution enables secure conveyance of rocks, boulders, and other debris, including logs, by effectively maneuvering the grapple to sweep and hold items within the bucket, ensuring efficient cleanup and movement of materials.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hydraulic cylinder that extends between one of the side walls, or the upper frame of the approximate back of the bucket, and the hydraulic cylinder at its other end connects with the approximate back of at least one of the side arms
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a combination of hydraulic cylinders and spring means for effective debris pickup and retention
Data Source
AI summary
A rock bucket attachment for securement with a skid steer unit or tractor front loader, the attachment incorporating a bucket for use in combination with a grapple, the bucket having side walls, back walls, and a bottom wall, the grapple interconnecting by lever arms to the side walls of the bucket, the grapple having a pair of side arms pivotally connected with the front of the lever arms, and hydraulic cylinders interconnecting between the back of the side arms and the back end of the side walls, or the frame structure interconnecting between the two, such that when the hydraulic cylinders are actuated, they initially pivot the lever arms forwardly to their fullest extent to arrange the grapple and its rake over a debris pile, and then further actuation of the hydraulic cylinders pivoting the side arms relative to the lever arms to pivot the rake of the grapple downwardly to urge any debris into the bucket as the rake comes into proximity with the front of the bucket, to retain any raked debris therein.