Stabilizer Pad Latch Mechanism for Construction Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizer pads for construction equipment tend to self-flip unintentionally, leading to improper ground engagement and increased wear, and prior latch systems are prone to failure due to debris accumulation, causing operational hazards and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A latch device with a peripheral latch surface and engagement lug system that prevents the pad from flipping, featuring a handle for manual rotation and weighted ends to ensure proper engagement with the support arm, along with a metal weldment and resilient pads for balanced ground engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch device is added to prevent self-flipping, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch device is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the pad's position. The spring-loaded mechanism self-activates when the pad flips, using the pad's own movement to trigger the latching action without requiring external control systems or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch device acts as an intermediary between the stabilizer arm and the pad, providing a mechanical connection that prevents unwanted movement. The engagement lug and latch surface work together as intermediate elements to transfer and control the positional relationship between components.
2Ease of operation
If manual rotation handle is added for latch operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic adjustable position through the manual rotation handle. The handle enables controlled movement of the latch surface, allowing the operator to dynamically change the pad's engagement state and reposition it as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch device is segmented into distinct functional components: the engagement lug on the pad, the latch surface with capture means on the latch device, and the manual rotation handle. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a cohesive 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
The solution effectively prevents unintentional flipping of the stabilizer pad, ensuring proper ground engagement and reducing wear, while the improved latch mechanism minimizes debris-related failures and simplifies pad positioning, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The latch member may have a weighted end for rotating the latch member so that the first stop engages the support arm
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilizer pad construction is shown in which a pair of resilient laminated pad assemblies are mounted outboard on a weldment that is pivotally supported from a stabilizer arm of a vehicle. A latch device is also illustrated in two different embodiments that prevent self-flipping of the pad, particularly from the grouser side to the resilient pad side. The latch device uses either a capture recess or a capture tab for preventing rotation and includes a handle to permit the user to manually rotate the pad.