Tool-to-Carrier Cradle Assembly with Angled Thin Metal Ears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool-to-carrier cradle assemblies are costly due to the need for thick metal plates and multiple 90-degree bends, and they often require multiple cradles to accommodate different tool angles, increasing manufacturing expenses and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A tool-to-carrier cradle assembly featuring a backplate with forwardly extending ears and lateral plates, where the ears are formed from thin metal sheets with angled bends, allowing for adjustable orientation and reduced material usage, and includes sideplates with boom-pin apertures and pivot apertures for secure coupling to the carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thick metal plates are used to provide robustness, then strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin metal sheets instead of thick metal plates to construct the cradle assembly. The thin sheets are formed with specific bend patterns (first bend at 45-60 degrees, second bend at 45-60 degrees) that create structural rigidity and strength comparable to thick plates, while significantly reducing material cost and weight.
2Strength
If multiple 90-degree bends are provided in metal plates, then structural robustness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bend angle parameters from conventional 90-degree bends to specific angles of 45-60 degrees for both the first and second bends. This parameter modification simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining or improving structural robustness, as the optimized angles distribute stress more effectively through the thin metal sheet.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tool-to-carrier cradles are used to accommodate different tool angles, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cradle assembly adjustable and adaptable to different tool angles through its flexible thin-sheet construction and specific bend geometry. The first and second bends at 45-60 degrees create a structure that can accommodate various tool orientations without requiring multiple separate cradles, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility.
4Ease of manufacture
If thin metal sheets with angled bends are used, then material cost is reduced, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the bend angles to 45-60 degrees for both the first and second bends in the thin metal sheets. This specific parameter range creates optimal stress distribution and structural rigidity, ensuring that the thin sheets achieve sufficient structural strength despite using less material, thereby reducing material cost without compromising strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool and cradle assembly coupleable to a carrier, the assembly including a backplate coupleable to the carrier; a pair of ears coupleable to and forwardly extending from a first side of the backplate; and at least one plate laterally coupleable to each ear. The ears each have a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an angle portion therebetween. The proximal portions are substantially parallel and spaced laterally at a first distance. The distal portions are substantially parallel and spaced laterally at a second distance. The first distance is larger than the second distance. Each angle portion is sloped inwards towards the other and is coupled to the corresponding distal and proximal portions. A sideplate is mounted to opposite sides of the tool. A pivot pin couples the distal portion of each ear to the tool substantially at center-mass. A boom-pin couples together the proximal portions and the sideplates.