Rotary Sweeper Linkage With Adjustable Down Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary sweeper implements on power machines face challenges in maintaining contact with uneven terrain and centering when angled, as they need to float and adjust to slanted surfaces while effectively sweeping debris.
Innovation Solution
A linkage and suspension system, including a four-bar linkage with a two-axis pivot joint and an air bag for adjustable downward pressure, allows the broom to rotate and angle side-to-side, coupled with shock absorbers to limit bouncing, ensuring consistent contact and debris direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the broom is angled to push debris to one side, then sweeping effectiveness is improved, but the broom becomes difficult to center and maintain stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterbalancing mechanism where the angling actuator creates a counteracting force to offset the lateral push effect on the broom. When the broom is angled to push debris sideways, the counterbalancing system applies an opposing force through the linkage system to keep the broom carrier centered relative to the machine, thus maintaining stability while preserving sweeping effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the broom is allowed to float to move up and down over uneven terrain, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but contact pressure control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system where sensors detect the broom's contact with the terrain and the angling position, and this information is fed back to the control system. The controller adjusts the angling actuator and biasing member in real-time to maintain optimal contact pressure between the broom and the surface, ensuring consistent sweeping performance across varying terrain conditions while preserving terrain adaptability.
3Force
If downward pressure is increased on the broom to improve surface contact, then sweeping contact is improved, but the broom bounces more on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a biasing member (such as a spring or hydraulic cushion) positioned between the broom carrier and the machine frame that provides pre-compression and shock absorption. This cushioning element is calibrated to maintain consistent downward pressure on the broom for good surface contact while simultaneously absorbing impact forces from uneven terrain, thereby preventing excessive bouncing and maintaining 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
The system enables the broom to maintain contact with the surface, adjust to uneven terrain, and effectively direct debris, improving sweeping efficiency and stability on power machines.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member such as an air bag provides upward pressure on the linkage to reduce downward pressure on the sweeping surface from the broom
Implementation Method 2
The linkage can be a four-bar linkage with an upper and lower link each pivotally coupled to the frame and to a broom carrier that form part of the four-bar linkage
Implementation Method 3
The broom carrier has a two-axis pivot joint that allows the broom to rotate about a first or vertical axis so that it can be angled under power of an angling cylinder or actuator
Implementation Method 4
Shock absorbers can also be included between the frame and the linkage to hold the linkage in place and limit bouncing of the broom when it is being transported
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include implements (100; 100'; 100''; 200; 300) with a linkage (254; 354) and suspension configured to provide downward pressure on tool (224; 324) to allow it to maintain a desired level of contact with a work surface. An adjustable biasing member (278; 378) such as an air bag provides upward pressure on the linkage to reduce downward pressure on the work surface from the tool. Shock absorbers (284; 384; 386) can also be included to hold the linkage in place and limit bouncing of the tool when it is being transported.