Snow Wing Linkage for Motor Grader Visibility and Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow wing linkage designs for motor graders suffer from issues such as obstructed operator visibility due to large masts, limited range of bench heights, susceptibility to corrosion, and the need for shear pins that can break under high forces, limiting the moldboard's range of motion.
Innovation Solution
A snow wing assembly with a linkage system comprising a first, second, third, and fourth linkage, where the third linkage is selectively adjustable to vary the distance between its outboard and inboard ends, allowing for tilting of the moldboard. This design eliminates the need for a mast, provides greater visibility, and allows for independent control of bench height and tilt orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a masted snow wing design is used, then a greater range of bench heights is achieved, but operator visibility is obstructed and the mast inhibits door operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mast component entirely from the snow wing assembly, extracting the obstructing element while preserving the functional capabilities through an alternative linkage design that achieves bench height adjustment without requiring a mast structure
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly integrates multiple functions into a single compact structure, combining bench height adjustment, moldboard articulation, and push pole operation without requiring separate mast components, thereby achieving multi-functionality in a space-efficient configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If a push pole with shear pin is used to articulate the moldboard, then the moldboard can be rotated inboard or outboard, but the shear pin can break under high forces requiring machine stoppage and pin replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the disposable shear pin with a durable, maintenance-free linkage design that eliminates the need for sacrificial components, allowing continuous operation without periodic replacement of wear parts
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly is designed to automatically accommodate high forces through its mechanical geometry and pivot joints, eliminating the need for protective shear pins that would fail under extreme conditions, thereby making the system self-protecting
3Adaptability or versatility
If a push pole with shear pin is used, then the moldboard can be articulated inboard or outboard, but the range of motion is limited and the moldboard cannot be tightly stowed against the motor grader
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage system with multiple pivot joints that allows the moldboard to achieve a wider range of motion including tight stowage positions, adapting to various operational requirements while maintaining clear operator visibility through improved geometric configuration
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pivot joints exposed to work material are used, then the moldboard can be articulated, but the joints are susceptible to corrosion from snow and salt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the operational parameters of the pivot joints by enclosing them within the linkage structure, changing their exposure conditions from direct contact with corrosive materials to protected environments, thereby reducing corrosion susceptibility while maintaining articulation functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A snow wing assembly for a machine includes a moldboard and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes a first linkage, a second linkage, a third linkage, and a fourth linkage. The first linkage is coupled with the moldboard. The second linkage is pivotally coupled with the first linkage at a first outboard end of the second linkage. The third linkage is pivotally coupled with the first linkage at a second outboard end of the third linkage. The fourth linkage is coupled with the machine and pivotally coupled with a first inboard end of the second linkage and a second inboard end of the third linkage. The third linkage is selectively adjustable to vary a distance between the second outboard end and the second inboard end for tilting the moldboard.