Self-Leveling Lift Arm Assembly for Implement Tilt Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lift arm structures in power machines often result in undesirable tilting of implements during lift arm operation, leading to issues like rollout or spillage of contents.
Innovation Solution
A self-leveling lift arm assembly is implemented, utilizing hydraulically synchronized cylinders and mechanically synchronized linkages to automatically adjust the attitude of an implement carrier relative to the lift arm, thereby counteracting lift-induced tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lift arm structures are used, then the lift arm can be raised and lowered, but the implement tilts undesirably during operation
Solution Approach 1:
A leveling link is introduced as an intermediary component between the lift arm and implement carrier. This leveling link, when actuated by the leveling cylinder, automatically adjusts the implement carrier's attitude to counteract tilting caused by lift arm movement, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability of implement composition
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a follower cylinder that is mechanically synchronized with the lift cylinder. As the lift cylinder raises or lowers the lift arm, the follower cylinder automatically follows this movement and transmits it through the leveling link to the implement carrier, enabling self-leveling without requiring external control input for attitude adjustment
2Stability of the object's composition
If a self-leveling system with hydraulically synchronized cylinders is implemented, then implement attitude is maintained consistently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes hydraulic synchronization between the lift cylinder and follower cylinder through shared hydraulic lines. This hydraulic coupling automatically ensures that both cylinders move in unison, maintaining implement attitude consistency without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling function is integrated into the existing lift arm structure by combining the follower cylinder and leveling link with the primary lift cylinder mechanism. This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate, independent leveling and lifting systems
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 self-leveling system effectively maintains the implement at a consistent attitude during lift arm movement, reducing undesired tilting and associated operational issues.
Implementation Method 1
a first conduit that can provide hydraulic flow between a base end of the follower cylinder and a base end of the leveling cylinder, and a second conduit that can provide hydraulic flow between a rod end of the follower cylinder and a rod end of the leveling cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A lift arm assembly for a power machine can include a lift arm, an implement carrier, a lift cylinder that raises or lowers the lift arm, a leveling link, a tilt cylinder that causes the implement carrier to pivot relative to the lift arm, and an isolated hydraulic circuit. The isolated hydraulic circuit can include a follower cylinder that is mechanically synchronized with the lift cylinder, a leveling cylinder that can be pivotally secured to the leveling link and to the lift arm, a first conduit that can provide hydraulic flow between base ends of the follower and leveling cylinders, and a second conduit that can provide hydraulic flow between rod ends of the follower and leveling cylinders. Movement of the follower and leveling cylinders can be hydraulically synchronized by flow through the first and second conduits.