Tool Coupling Support Body With Full-Width Horizontal Travel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for tools on self-propelled vehicles, such as milling cutters and pincers, lack the ability to move horizontally across the entire width of the vehicle, limiting maneuverability and stability, especially when working near obstacles, and are prone to damage from dust and dirt.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a translationally movable support body and a transmission chain or belt mechanism, featuring rotating transmission elements perpendicular to the main frame, allowing continuous horizontal movement at constant speed, protected within a compact housing, and adjustable for optimal stroke.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a linear actuator is used to move a milling cutter along a horizontal guide, then the tool can be moved horizontally, but the stroke of the actuator cannot cover the entire encumbrance of the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the actuator from a horizontal arrangement (parallel to the guide) to a vertical arrangement (perpendicular to the guide). This dimensional change allows the actuator to be positioned above the guide, enabling its stroke to extend fully across the horizontal width without being limited by its own encumbrance in the horizontal plane.
2Length of moving object
If a screw actuator is used for horizontal movement of a milling cutter, then a greater stroke is achieved, but the movement speed is limited and the actuator is expensive and delicate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw actuator (which uses threaded mechanical engagement) with a linear actuator that employs a direct drive mechanism, likely using a motor directly coupled to a transmission element. This substitution eliminates the need for threaded engagement, thereby increasing the movement speed while reducing the complexity and cost associated with screw actuators.
3Length of moving object
If a screw actuator is used for horizontal movement, then a greater stroke is achieved, but the actuator is easily damaged by dust and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw actuator with a linear actuator that does not rely on threaded mechanical engagement. This substitution eliminates the vulnerable threaded surfaces that are easily damaged by dust and dirt, thereby improving the reliability and durability of the actuator in dusty working environments.
4Ease of operation
If known attachment systems are configured to extend beyond the lateral encumbrance of the vehicle, then horizontal movement is enabled, but the useful stroke is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the actuator from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation above the guide. This dimensional change allows the actuator to extend its stroke fully in the horizontal direction without being constrained by its own lateral encumbrance, thereby maximizing the useful stroke while maintaining ease of operation.
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 continuous horizontal movement of tools with constant speed and improved maneuverability and stability, while reducing exposure to dust and maintaining compact dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission chain or belt which is wrapped around a pair of rotating transmission elements. The transmission chain or belt is advantageously connected to the translationally movable support body in such a manner as to move the translationally movable support body in the translation direction
Data Source
AI summary
In a coupling device for a tool that is couplable to a self-propelled vehicle, the coupling device includes a main frame, a connection device to a coupling element of the self-propelled vehicle, a translationally movable support body which is configured to support the tool in a work position. The translationally movable support body being mounted on the main frame in a translationally movable manner in a translation direction. The coupling device also including a movement mechanism for the translationally movable support body. The movement mechanism includes a transmission chain or belt which is wrapped around a pair of rotating transmission elements and which is connected to the translationally movable support body in such a manner as to move the translationally movable support body in the translation direction.