Snowplow Support-Wheel Assembly for Single-Actuator Moldboard Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support assemblies for wing moldboards are difficult for operators to use without causing unwanted contact between the moldboard and vehicle elements during storage and movement, requiring complex coordination of multiple hydraulic cylinders or actuators.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a rearward base, lower and upper booms, and mechanical actuators that allow for controlled movement of the moldboard between storage and working positions, enabling single-actuator operation to prevent unwanted contact with the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hydraulic cylinders or actuators are used to control the moldboard position, then the moldboard can be positioned accurately without unwanted contact with vehicle elements, but the device complexity and operator burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single hydraulic cylinder. The single actuator controls both the elevation of the moldboard's front end and the rotation of the support arm, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining positioning capability through coordinated motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic actuator performs multiple functions: it elevates the front end of the moldboard, rotates the support arm between storage and working positions, and controls the moldboard's vertical position. This multi-functional actuator replaces multiple specialized actuators, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive control.
2Reliability
If multiple actuators are coordinated to move the moldboard from working to storage position, then unwanted contact with vehicle elements is avoided, but the operation time and operator skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is pre-configured with a rotation mechanism that automatically positions the moldboard at the correct angle and height during retraction. As the single actuator pulls the support arm toward the vehicle, the rotation mechanism preliminarily establishes the storage position geometry, ensuring contact avoidance without requiring intermediate operator adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the motion of the single actuator itself to trigger the rotation of the support arm. As the actuator extends or retracts, the changing geometry of the linkage system automatically causes the support arm to rotate into the appropriate position, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for separate control inputs.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for a wing moldboard includes a rearward base securable to a vehicle to pivot about an upright axis, lower and upper booms, a lower-boom mechanical actuator, and a rotation member. The lower boom is pivotably securable to the rearward base. The upper boom has an upper-boom proximal portion pivotably securable to a distal end portion of the lower boom. A lower-boom mechanical actuator drives the lower boom to first and second positions. A rotation member has a proximal portion configured to be operatively engaged with the rearward base, and a distal portion operatively engaged to pivot the upper boom with respect to the lower boom when the lower-boom mechanical actuator drives the lower boom between the first and second positions. A further support assembly for a moldboard includes a support-wheel assembly including a travel-angle frame, a travel-angle actuator, a spindle mount, a spindle, and a wheel-height actuator.