Sweep-in Grapple Rock Bucket for Debris Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractor attachments for picking up rocks and debris often rely on singular pivot mechanisms that are inefficient in securing and conveying larger items like logs and tree trunks, as they either push or sweep debris onto the bucket without effective retention during movement.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically operated rock bucket attachment with a sweep-in grapple mechanism that undergoes compound pivotal motions to initially locate and then securely grasp rocks or logs, using a combination of hydraulic cylinders and spring means to pivot the grapple and rake, ensuring debris is retained within the bucket during conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a singular pivot mechanism is used to push or sweep debris onto the bucket, then the structure is simple, but the ability to securely grasp and retain larger items like logs and tree trunks during conveyance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The grapple mechanism is divided into multiple independent components including a grapple assembly with jaws, a rake assembly with tines, and separate hydraulic control systems. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (grasping or raking) independently while working together to handle different sizes and types of debris effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The grapple and rake assemblies are both designed with pivotal motions that allow them to dynamically adjust their positions and orientations. The grapple can pivot to open and close around debris, while the rake can pivot to sweep materials onto the bucket. This dynamic capability enables the mechanism to adapt to various debris types and sizes, providing secure grasping and effective sweeping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sweep mechanism is used to move rocks onto the bucket, then smaller rocks can be moved, but larger items like logs and tree trunks cannot be effectively secured and conveyed
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment combines two functional assemblies (grapple and rake) into one unit, enabling it to handle both small rocks and large debris like logs and tree trunks. The grapple assembly provides gripping capability for larger items, while the rake assembly handles smaller materials, making the attachment versatile for multiple debris types and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The grapple jaws can be positioned to engage only partially with smaller rocks when needed, or fully close around larger items like logs. The rake tines can similarly engage partially with small debris or fully with larger materials. This partial or excessive action capability allows the same mechanism to adapt its gripping or raking intensity based on the size and type of debris being handled.
3Reliability
If existing rock buckets are used without grapple means, then the bucket structure is simple, but the ability to secure and retain rocks and debris during conveyance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The grapple and rake assemblies perform preliminary actions to secure and position debris before the bucket begins conveyance. The grapple jaws close around larger items to secure them in place, while the rake sweeps smaller materials onto the bucket bottom. This preliminary securing action ensures that debris remains retained during subsequent movement, preventing spillage during conveyance.
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 and secure pickup and conveyance of rocks, boulders, logs, and other debris, minimizing dirt and smaller rocks from being lifted, while allowing larger items to be held and transported effectively, enhancing cleanup operations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hydraulic cylinder that extends between one of the side walls, or the upper frame of the approximate back of the bucket, and the hydraulic cylinder at its other end connects with the approximate back of at least one of the side arms, such that when the hydraulic cylinder is actuated, initiating first the forward movement of the grapple
Implementation Method 2
using a combination of hydraulic cylinders and spring means to pivot the grapple and rake
Data Source
AI summary
A rock bucket attachment for securement with a skid steer unit or tractor front loader, the attachment incorporating a bucket for use in combination with a grapple, the bucket having side walls, back walls, and a bottom wall, at least one pair of grapples interconnecting by lever arms to the side walls of the bucket, said at least one pair of grapples having a pair of side arms pivotally connected with the front of the lever arms, and hydraulic cylinders interconnecting between the back of the side arms and the back end of the side walls, or the frame structure interconnecting between the two, such that when the hydraulic cylinders are actuated, they initially pivot the lever arms forwardly to their fullest extent to arrange the grapples and its rake over a debris pile, and then further actuation of the hydraulic cylinders pivoting the side arms relative to the lever arms to pivot the rake of each grapple downwardly to urge any debris onto the bucket as the rake comes into proximity with the front of the bucket, to retain any raked debris therein. There are at least a pair or more of grapples operatively associated with the rock bucket attachment.