Single Point Lifting Structure for Work Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lift systems for work machines, such as small wheel loaders, often interfere with the cab during lifting operations, hindering operator access and safety.

Innovation Solution

A lift apparatus featuring a horizontally disposed lift frame with curved elongated members that attach to the machine frame, allowing for single-point lifting without obstructing the cab, and incorporating a mount with multiple bolt holes for versatile attachment to lifting devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If multiple lifting points on the machine frame are used, then the lifting stability is improved, but the lifting device complexity increases and interference with the cab occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting stabilityVSAvoidlifting device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting system is segmented into a fixed base plate attached to the machine frame and a separate curved lifting member that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows the lifting function to be achieved with a single attachment point while maintaining stability, as the curved member distributes the lifting forces along its arc length rather than requiring multiple discrete attachment points on the frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The curved lifting member acts as an intermediary between the single lifting attachment point on the machine frame and the cab. By positioning this curved member to clear the cab structure, it mediates the lifting action to avoid interference with the cab while still providing stable single-point lifting, eliminating the need for multiple attachment points that would increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single point lifting structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the lifting stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting device complexityVSAvoidlifting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting member is designed with a curved geometry that follows an arc path during lifting operations. This curvature allows the single lifting point to maintain stable contact with the machine frame throughout the lifting motion, distributing forces evenly along the curved path. The spherical/curved design provides inherent stability comparable to multiple rigid attachment points while maintaining the simplicity of a single lifting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the lifting structure is positioned to clear the cab, then the operator safety is improved, but the structural strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting system employs an asymmetric design where the curved lifting member is positioned and oriented specifically to clear the cab structure. Rather than using a symmetric multi-point attachment system, the asymmetric single-point curved member achieves the necessary clearance while maintaining structural integrity through its optimized geometry and material distribution along the curved path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting member utilizes three-dimensional curved geometry to achieve cab clearance without compromising strength. By extending the lifting structure into the vertical and lateral dimensions through its curved arc design, it clears the cab space while distributing structural loads efficiently along its three-dimensional form, maintaining strength despite the positioning constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11753794B2Single point lifting structure for a work machine
Publication Date: 2023.09.12 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US11753794B2 patent drawing
  • US11753794B2 patent drawing
  • US11753794B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclose, a lift apparatus for a work machine is provided. The lift apparatus may have a horizontally disposed lift frame that has a mount on its top surface. The lift apparatus may further include a first elongated member having a first end and a second end. The first elongated member is vertically disposed and attached to a first side of the lift frame at the first end, and the second end includes a first attachment point for attaching to the work machine. The lift apparatus further includes a second elongated member that has a first end and a second end, the second elongated member is vertically disposed and attached to a second side of the lift frame at the first end, and the second end includes a second attachment point for attaching to the work machine.