Sod Positioning Machine Lateral Shifting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sod placement machines struggle to efficiently and effectively close gaps between sod strips without causing ruts or unevenness in the ground, as manual labor or vehicle traction can lead to damage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sod positioning apparatus with a stationary frame and a laterally sliding frame, equipped with hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders and a pushing plate, that allows for precise lateral shifting and compression of sod strips to minimize gaps and prevent buckling, while avoiding reorientation of the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If vehicle traction force is used to push sod strips, then sod strips can be positioned tightly against adjacent strips, but ruts and unevenness are created in the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing function is extracted from the vehicle and transferred to a separate positioning apparatus with pushing members that contact only the sod strips, not the ground. This separates the positioning function from ground-contacting vehicle tires, eliminating rut formation while maintaining seam tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning apparatus acts as an intermediary between the vehicle and the sod strips. The pushing members transmit force from the vehicle to the sod strips without the vehicle tires directly contacting the ground during pushing operations, preventing ground damage while achieving tight seams.
2Manufacturing precision
If vehicle constantly reorients from strip to strip, then positioning can be achieved, but additional ruts and unevenness are created in the sand bed
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus incorporates laterally sliding frames that can dynamically adjust position laterally to reach different strips without requiring vehicle reorientation. This dynamic lateral adjustment capability allows continuous operation in a straight line, eliminating the need for vehicle turning and associated ground damage.
3Manufacturing precision
If lateral shifting of sod strips is performed, then gaps between strips are minimized, but buckling of sod strips may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus applies pushing force at specific localized points on the sod strips through pushing members, rather than applying force across the entire strip. This localized pushing minimizes disturbance to the sod strip structure, preventing buckling while achieving gap closure through controlled local compression.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual labor is used to push sod strips, then seam tightness can be achieved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus enables the sod laying system to self-position strips automatically through the lateral sliding mechanism and pushing members, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically closing gaps and tightening seams, thereby maintaining precision while dramatically improving productivity.
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
The apparatus efficiently tightens seams between sod strips, increases sod density, and prevents buckling, allowing for improved sod laying efficiency without damaging the ground.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are operable to slide the laterally sliding frame in a direction away from the stationary frame to push a sod strip
Implementation Method 2
A pair of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are operable to slide the laterally sliding frame in a direction away from the stationary frame to push a sod strip
Implementation Method 3
A pair of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are arranged to pivot the frames up or down between a deployed position and a stand-by or traveling position
Implementation Method 4
A pair of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are arranged to pivot the frames up or down between a deployed position and a stand-by or traveling position
Implementation Method 5
by laterally pressing the sod strip using the apparatus of the invention, the sod strip is compressed and the density of sod increases
Implementation Method 6
The sliding beams mount a pushing plate that abuts the sod strip during a pushing operation
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for a vehicle used for positioning sod strips includes a structure for mounting on the vehicle frame and a pushing plate slidably mounted to the structure. The pushing plate is arranged to be abuttable to an edge of a sod strip. A plurality of guide a arms extend outwardly of the pushing plate to overlie a sod strip being positioned to prevent upward buckling of the sod strip. A pair of cylinders are operatively mounted between the structure and the pushing plate to slide the pushing plate away from the structure to laterally shift a sod strip to tighten up seams between adjacent sod strips. The pushing plate slides in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the straight ahead driving direction of the vehicle.