Snow Groomer Attachment Hexapod Kinematic System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow groomers lack additional movement functionalities that could enhance the versatility and effectiveness of their attachments, particularly in terms of horizontal plane translation and self-supporting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting hexapod kinematic system with six actuating cylinders allows for translational and parallel movements in the horizontal plane, enabling the attachment to be moved forward, backward, and laterally, and adjusting its distance from the vehicle frame, along with a control unit that processes sensor data to automate predefined control functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional kinematic system with hydraulic actuating cylinders is used to control the attachment, then the attachment can be pivoted and tilted, but it cannot be displaced translationally in the horizontal plane
Solution Approach 1:
The hexapod system serves multiple functions: it enables translational displacement in the horizontal plane, maintains attachment stability, and allows for vertical positioning. By integrating these functions into a single kinematic system, the patent achieves versatile attachment movement without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hexapod system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the vehicle frame and the attachment. It translates control inputs into complex multi-axis movements, mediating between the simple hydraulic actuation and the desired attachment positioning in three-dimensional space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base part is only articulated in a pivoting manner on the vehicle frame, then the structure is simple, but the distance in the longitudinal direction between the attachment and vehicle frame cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The base part transitions from a static pivoting connection to a dynamic articulated system. The multiple articulation points and hydraulic cylinders enable the base part to change its configuration dynamically, allowing adjustment of the longitudinal distance between the attachment and vehicle frame while maintaining structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional support elements are added to enable translational movement, then the mobility of the attachment is improved, but the kinematic system requires more support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The six hydraulic cylinders of the hexapod system each serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable translational movement, control attachment orientation, and maintain stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated support elements for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of support and movement control into a single integrated hexapod system. The six cylinders work together as a unified mechanism, combining structural support with active positioning capabilities, thereby reducing the overall number of separate components needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual control of the kinematic system is used, then the system is simple to operate, but additional functionalities require more operator effort
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback from sensors monitoring the attachment position and the state of hydraulic cylinders. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust cylinder extension/retraction to achieve desired attachment positions, reducing operator effort while enabling complex functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The kinematic system performs self-adjustment through automated control. The control unit independently manages the coordination of multiple hydraulic cylinders to achieve complex attachment movements, freeing the operator from manual coordination of multiple control inputs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
1. Device for controlling the movements of a front- or rear-mounted attachment of a snow groomer. 2.1 Such a device with a kinematic system consisting of several actuating cylinders, which can be moved into various functional positions by means of a control unit, comprising pivoting movements of the attachment about a vertical axis, a transverse axis, and a longitudinal axis, as well as parallel displacement in the vertical direction, is known. 2.2 According to the invention, the kinematic system is additionally designed such that the attachment can be displaced translationally and/or parallelally in a horizontal plane in the transverse and/or longitudinal direction relative to a vehicle frame of the snow groomer. 2.3 Use for snow groomers in snowy areas