Skid Steer Dozer Blade Stabilizer for Precise Grading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earth moving grader systems for small to medium-sized track-steer or skid-steer vehicles lack a stable platform for precise grading, as they require significant power to lift and lower the entire dozer blade assembly, leading to stress on the vehicle and reduced precision, especially when dealing with varying soil densities.
Innovation Solution
A device that stabilizes the dozer blade by limiting the main arm's movement, allowing the pitch axis of the blade to adjust independently, using a stop and lock mechanism to secure the main arm at a predetermined height, and disconnecting hydraulic lift to enable precise control with GPS automatic grading systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the main arm hydraulics are used to lift and lower the entire dozer blade assembly, then the blade can be adjusted for grading, but significant power is consumed and stress is imparted on the vehicle structure
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the blade assembly into two independent control systems: the main arm hydraulics for gross height adjustment and the pitch axis hydraulics for fine grading control. This segmentation allows each system to operate within its optimal range, reducing the power and stress burden on the main arm while maintaining precise grading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two control modes: using the main arm for large-scale height adjustments and the pitch axis for fine-tuned grading control. This dynamic allocation of control functions optimizes power consumption and reduces structural stress by using the appropriate control mechanism for each operational phase.
2Manufacturing precision
If the main arm moves the entire dozer blade assembly up and down, then grade height can be adjusted, but the mass being moved increases which slows movement and reduces precision
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent axes: the main arm controls the gross vertical position of the blade assembly, while the pitch axis controls the fine height adjustment of the cutting edge. This allows the lighter pitch-controlled portion to be moved for precise grading without the penalty of moving the entire heavy blade assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the main arm to move the entire blade assembly for fine adjustments, the system applies partial action by using only the pitch axis hydraulics for fine height control. This partial control approach moves minimal mass, achieving high precision without the speed penalty of moving the complete assembly.
3Extent of automation
If a laser mast is affixed to the dozer blade for automatic laser grading, then the blade can be controlled automatically, but the mast must be held vertically which requires stabilizing the blade platform
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates platform stabilization from blade height control by locking the main arm at a predetermined height during automatic grading operations. This creates a stable base platform while the pitch axis independently controls the blade height, allowing the laser mast to remain vertical without interfering with grading adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch axis hydraulic system acts as an intermediary between the stable main arm platform and the blade cutting edge. It transfers and translates the stable platform position into precise blade height control, enabling automatic grading while maintaining both platform stability and grading accuracy.
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
This solution provides a stable platform for precise grading without the need for a laser mast, reduces power consumption, and maintains the vehicle's versatility while allowing for accurate operation in various soil types and restricted spaces.
Implementation Method 1
A device that stabilizes the dozer blade by limiting the main arm's movement, allowing the pitch axis of the blade to adjust independently, using a stop and lock mechanism to secure the main arm at a predetermined height
Implementation Method 2
disconnecting hydraulic lift to enable precise control with GPS automatic grading systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method of stabilizing a small to mid-sized skid steer vehicles used to grade earth using a dozer blade in conjunction with GPS automatic grade control equipment. The main arm of the skid steer is retained at a specific height and the hydraulic controlling the main arm is limited. The height of the dozer blade is raised and lowered by affecting the pitch axis of movement of the blade and not by raising and lowering the main arm. The device is most suited to skid steer vehicles capable of using a variety of interchangeable front end accessories in addition to a dozer blade.