Stabilizer Pad with Dual-Surface Contact for Work Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stabilizer pads for work machines require manual flipping or rotation to switch between paved and off-road surfaces, decreasing operational efficiency and increasing operator workload.

Innovation Solution

A stabilizer pad design with a resilient member for paved surfaces and traction walls with rigid members for earth surfaces, allowing for continuous operation on both surfaces without manual adjustment, featuring a frame with pivotable flanges and overmolded resilient members for durability and easy replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional reversible stabilizer pads with two or more sides are used, then the pad can engage different ground surfaces (paved or earth), but the operator must manually flip the pad to switch between surfaces, which decreases operational efficiency and increases workload

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different ground surfacesVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizer pad is divided into multiple ground contact surfaces (first and second surfaces) with different configurations - one side having resilient members for paved surfaces and the other having rigid members for earth surfaces. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for specific ground types while eliminating the need for manual flipping, as the pad can adapt to different surfaces without reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizer pad incorporates a tilt mechanism that allows the pad to dynamically adjust its orientation in response to ground slope conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables the appropriate ground contact surface to automatically engage based on the terrain, maintaining operational efficiency across varying ground conditions without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If rigid members (spikes or grousers) are used on stabilizer pads for earth surfaces, then traction and stabilization are improved, but the paved surface may be damaged when these pads contact it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction on earth surfacesVSAvoiddamage to paved surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the stabilizer pad have different material properties and structural characteristics - the first ground contact surface features resilient members suitable for paved surfaces, while the second ground contact surface features rigid members for earth surfaces. This local differentiation ensures that each surface interacts appropriately with its intended ground type, preventing damage to paved surfaces while maintaining traction on earth surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual flipping of stabilizer pads is required to switch between paved and off-road surfaces, then the appropriate surface contact can be achieved, but the process is tedious and decreases overall operation efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface contact appropriatenessVSAvoidtime for manual pad flipping

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizer pad system incorporates automatic adaptation mechanisms including tilt adjustment capabilities that allow the pad to self-position and select the appropriate ground contact surface based on ground slope and terrain conditions. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for manual flipping operations, saving time and maintaining continuous operational efficiency while ensuring appropriate surface contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 operation on various surfaces without manual pad flipping, improving stability and reducing maintenance costs by allowing the resilient members to compress and rigid members to engage the ground as needed, enhancing traction and extending the pad's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

resilient member, and may extend a first distance from the frame in a first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

resilient member configured for contact with a paved surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

rigid members for contacting dirt, gravel or other earth surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

rigid members configured for contact with an earth surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking:

Data Source

PatentUS10322704B2Stabilizer pad for a work machine

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A stabilizer pad for use with stabilizer legs of a work machine is disclosed. The stabilizer pad may include a frame configured for attachment to the stabilizer leg of the work machine. The stabilizer pad may further include a first surface configured to contact a ground surface, the first surface including a resilient member, and the first surface extending a first distance from the frame in a first direction. Additionally, the stabilizer pad may include a second surface configured to contact a ground surface, the second surface including a plurality of rigid members, and the second surface extending a second distance from the frame in the first direction, the second distance being less than the first distance.