Low-Profile Tool Carrier Loader Linkage for Better Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact tool carriers face challenges in design due to variations in weight, complexity, and size, making it difficult to achieve a low-profile, compact design with an effective loader lifting profile.
Innovation Solution
A compact tool carrier with a low-profile mainframe and a loader featuring an arm and linkage pivotally attached to the loader arm, along with an actuator for raising and lowering the loader, allowing for standing or walk-behind operator control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a compact tool carrier uses a traditional loader mounting configuration, then the loader lifting capability is adequate, but the overall profile height increases and visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the loader pivot points from a traditional high mounting on the mainframe to a lower position, utilizing the vertical dimension more effectively. The loader arm is configured to pivot at multiple points along its length, allowing the bucket to follow a more vertical lifting path while keeping the mainframe profile low. This dimensional reconfiguration reduces the overall height of the machine while maintaining adequate visibility for the operator.
2Force
If the loader pivot points are positioned higher on the mainframe, then the lifting moment arm is increased, but the profile height and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The loader linkage is divided into multiple segments with pivot points distributed along the loader arm rather than concentrating all pivot points at a single high location on the mainframe. This segmentation allows the lifting moment to be generated through the distributed linkage geometry rather than requiring a tall mainframe structure, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining effective lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the vertical distance from the mainframe to the pivot points, the patent utilizes the horizontal and longitudinal dimensions of the loader arm to create the necessary lifting moment arm. The multiple pivot points are positioned at optimized locations along the arm's length, transferring the moment generation from a vertical configuration to a more distributed spatial arrangement that reduces profile height.
3Ease of operation
If the control station is mounted at the rear for standing operation, then operator safety and visibility are improved, but the control reach distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control station is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing the operator to move along the rear platform and access controls at different positions. The control linkage incorporates flexible hoses and cables that maintain connectivity while accommodating operator movement, effectively reducing the fixed reach distance constraint while maintaining the safety benefits of rear-mounted controls.
Data Source
AI summary
Compact tool carriers having a loader mounted to a low-profile mainframe are disclosed. In some embodiments, the pivot points of the mainframe about which the loader is pivoted are low relative to the mainframe to reduce the mainframe size.