Tilt-Adjustable Head for Clamshell Bucket Angular Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamshell style buckets lack the ability to adjust their angle relative to the excavator arm, limiting their effectiveness in dredging operations, especially in irregular or non-horizontal underwater topographies.
Innovation Solution
A tilt-adjustable head attachment assembly with a three-dimensional frame, pivotally supported clamshell bucket halves, and hydraulic cylinders that allow angular positioning and locking of the bucket halves relative to the excavator arm, enabling precise orientation and securement during dredging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rigid attachment is used for the clamshell bucket, then the structure is simple and stable, but the bucket cannot be angled to accommodate irregular underwater topographies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed rigid attachment into a dynamic, adjustable system. The bucket assembly includes a tilt-adjustable head attachment with hydraulic cylinders that enable the bucket to be angled at various positions relative to the excavator arm. This allows the bucket to adapt to irregular underwater topographies while maintaining structural stability through controlled mechanical adjustment rather than fixed rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a frame structure, a pivotally supported platen, hydraulic cylinders for tilt adjustment, and alignment slots with hold bars for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall adaptability of the system, resolving the contradiction between complexity and versatility.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic cylinders are added for angular adjustment, then the bucket can be positioned at various angles, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes hydraulics principle by incorporating hydraulic cylinders connected to the platen for actuating angular adjustment of the bucket assembly. The hydraulic cylinders provide powered assistance for positioning the bucket at various angles, making operation easier while managing the complexity through efficient use of hydraulic actuation rather than purely manual mechanical adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing the angular position of the bucket to be varied through hydraulic actuation. The alignment slots and hold bars provide discrete angular positions, while the hydraulic cylinders enable smooth transition between these positions, facilitating easy operation despite the increased number of components.
3Reliability
If multiple alignment slots and hold bars are provided for securing positions, then the bucket can be locked at various angles, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment slots and hold bars are designed to work together in a self-servicing manner. The hold bars can be inserted through the alignment slots to secure the platen at various angular positions without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex assembly procedures. This simple yet effective design enhances reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 dredging in complex underwater environments by allowing the bucket to be angled and secured at various positions, improving the ability to clear or deepen channels and other irregular surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A cylinder is connected to a fixed underside location of the frame at a first end and to the platen at a second end and, upon being actuated, pivotally displaces the platen to in turn angle the frame and supported clamshell bucket halves relative to the excavator attachment
Implementation Method 2
The platen further includes an annular shaped lower platen member and a rotatably supported upper annular shaped platen member which define a bearing supported carriage for rotating the frame and hingedly connected buckets about the length axis extending through the elongated attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A tilt adjustable head attachment assembly for a clamshell style bucket for orienting first and second bucket halves at an angle relative to a length axis extending through an elongated and rigid attachment associated with a piece of power equipment, for supporting and manipulating the bucket. A frame has a three dimensional body, upwardly extending pillar mounts located at upper ends of the body and incorporating support shafts for receiving overlapping hinged locations associated with support arms for each of the first and second clamshell bucket halves. A platen is positioned pivotally arranged between the pillar mounts and includes an upper location engaged by an end projection of the elongated attachment. A cylinder is connected to a fixed underside location of the frame at a first end and to the platen at a second end and, upon being actuated, pivotally displacing the platen to in turn angle the frame and supported clamshell bucket halves relative to the excavator attachment according to a desired orientation.