Tether Guide Assembly for Bulldozer Blade Traction Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile heavy equipment, particularly forestry equipment, faces challenges with traction on inclines and poor ground conditions due to interference and potential damage from tether systems, especially when equipped with accessories like bulldozer or plow blades, and concerns about the strength of chassis attachment points for tethers.
Innovation Solution
A traction assist system that includes a tether adapted to pass through accessories like bulldozer blades and attached to strong points on the equipment chassis beyond the axle well, with multiple branches and attachment points to distribute load and reduce interference and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tether is attached to heavy equipment with a bulldozer blade, then traction assist is provided, but the tether may interfere with blade operation or be damaged by the blade
Solution Approach 1:
A guide assembly acts as an intermediary between the tether and the blade, allowing the tether to pass through a guide channel in a controlled manner. The guide assembly includes a guide channel that directs the tether away from the blade cutting edge, and a retainer that secures the tether to the blade assembly, preventing direct contact between the tether and blade while maintaining blade functionality.
2Power
If the tether attachment point is positioned near the blade for better leverage, then traction efficiency improves, but the tether becomes more susceptible to damage from blade operation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly serves as a mediator that allows the tether to be attached near the blade for optimal leverage while protecting it from damage. The guide channel and retainer mechanism enable the tether to pass through and be secured in a position that provides mechanical advantage without exposing it to direct contact with the blade cutting edge during operation.
3Device complexity
If the tether runs directly through the blade, then the system is simpler, but the blade cannot function properly and the tether is at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly provides a structured pathway for the tether to pass through the blade assembly without compromising blade functionality. The guide channel and retainer create a controlled interface that maintains system simplicity while ensuring the blade can operate independently without tether interference.
4Device complexity
If a single attachment point is used for the tether, then the system is simpler, but it cannot adequately handle high traction loads or distribute wear
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple attachment points distributed along the blade assembly, with each point capable of bearing a portion of the total load. This segmentation allows the system to handle higher traction loads and distribute wear across multiple locations, improving overall strength and reliability while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A traction assist system and method for heavy equipment on an incline or in other situations with poor or limited traction. In particular, a traction assist system for heavy equipment having an accessory such as a blade, the system including: a tether; an adaptation to the accessory allowing the tether to be placed to allow the accessory to function without disrupting the tether, such as through-holes in the blade; and an attachment point on the heavy equipment for attaching the tether to the heavy equipment. The adaptation will depend on the particular accessory involved but may generally be an adaptation allowing the tether to pass through the accessory.