Spring-Biased Grappling Assembly for Utility Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grappling assemblies for utility vehicles are complex and costly due to the use of multiple hydraulic cylinders, requiring time and resources for manufacturing and operation.
Innovation Solution
A grappling assembly that connects to utility component arms using a first and second claw, pivot couplings, and springs, eliminating the need for hydraulics by utilizing coiled springs and rods for resilient grasping and quick attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hydraulic cylinders are used to actuate grappling jaws, then the grappling assembly can achieve reliable grasping force, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuating functions into a single hydraulic cylinder. Instead of using separate cylinders for each grappling jaw, the invention uses one cylinder that actuates both jaws through a shared linkage mechanism, thereby reducing component count while maintaining grasping reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic cylinder is designed to perform multiple actuating functions simultaneously. The cylinder's piston rod connects to a linkage system that translates the linear motion into coordinated movement of both upper and lower grappling jaws, making one component serve the function previously requiring multiple components
2Reliability
If multiple actuating cylinders are connected to grappling jaws, then reliable actuation is achieved, but the manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple actuating cylinders into a single cylinder unit, directly reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces both time and cost while preserving actuation reliability through the linkage mechanism
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional linkages are used to connect grapplers to boom assembly, then structural stability is maintained, but the coupling process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The grappling assembly is designed as a modular, segmented unit that can be independently assembled and then quickly attached to the boom assembly. The segmentation allows for pre-assembly of the grappling mechanism with its single cylinder and linkage, separating the complex internal mechanism from the attachment interface to enable rapid coupling
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 solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and quick coupling to utility component arms, providing resilient grasping capabilities without the complexity and expense of hydraulic systems, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one or more springs coupled to one or more of the first claw, the second claw, or the one or more pivot couplings
Implementation Method 2
utilizing coiled springs and rods for resilient grasping
Data Source
AI summary
A grappling assembly is configured to connect to one or more arms of a utility component. The grappling assembly includes a first claw, a second claw, one or more pivot couplings, and one or more springs coupled to one or more of the first claw, the second claw, or the one or more pivot couplings.