Automatic Stabilizer Arm Lock Using Pin and Cam Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizer arm locks for tractors require operators to perform additional actions beyond normal functions to engage and disengage, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks when stabilizing the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer arm lock mechanism that uses a locking pin, cam surface, and biasing member to automatically maintain the stabilizer arm in the storage position without manual intervention, allowing for seamless engagement and disengagement through hydraulic cylinder operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism is used to prevent the stabilizer arm from lowering, then the stabilizer arm can be held in the storage position, but an operator must perform additional latching or unlatching actions to engage and disengage the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer arm lock mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the arm's position. The locking pin is biased by a spring to engage with the cam surface when the arm is in the storage position, and automatically disengages when the arm is lowered, eliminating the need for operator intervention to latch or unlatch the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism transitions from a static latched state to a dynamic automatic engagement system. The locking pin moves relative to the cam surface as the stabilizer arm pivots, allowing the mechanism to automatically adapt its locking state based on the arm's position without requiring manual operation.
2Reliability
If a manual latching mechanism is implemented, then the stabilizer arm can be securely locked, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and operations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the existing stabilizer arm pivoting motion and hydraulic cylinder operation. The lock mechanism uses the natural movement of the arm and the existing hydraulic system to automatically engage and disengage, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than adding a separate manual latching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin acts as an intermediary element between the stabilizer arm and the frame. It translates the arm's positional changes into automatic locking and unlocking actions through its interaction with the cam surface, simplifying the overall mechanism by using a single intermediary component rather than a complex multi-part latching system.
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
Enables efficient and safe operation by ensuring the stabilizer arms remain locked or unlocked without manual latching, enhancing operational efficiency and safety during deployment and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member operable to bias the locking pin into engagement with the cam surface
Implementation Method 2
a cylinder connected to the frame and to the stabilizer arm, and operable to move the stabilizer arm from the storage position to the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilizer arm lock including a frame member, a stabilizer arm having a first end pivotally attached to the frame, a locking pin operable to slidably move within the stabilizer arm, a cam surface on the frame member, and a biasing member operable to bias the locking pin into engagement with the cam surface.