Track Loader Cross-Slope Actuation for Balanced Bucket Grading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track-type loader machines face challenges in achieving desired cross-slope grading with compact or heavy materials, as tilting the work implement can lead to excessive unbalanced loads, uneven forces, and reduced durability due to twisting moments and forces on linkages and hydraulic cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A track-type loader machine with a grading control system that includes a main frame, cross-slope actuator, and controller to rotate the main frame about a pivoting axis, allowing the work implement to tilt and maintain a desired cross-slope grade, thereby distributing forces more evenly and reducing stress on the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the work implement is tilted to achieve desired cross-slope grading, then the cross-slope grading capability is improved, but excessive unbalanced loads and twisting moments are placed on linkages and hydraulic cylinders
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of tilting the work implement directly (which places excessive loads on linkages and hydraulic cylinders), the patent inverts the approach by rotating the main frame to achieve the cross-slope grading. The work implement remains relatively level while the main frame rotation accomplishes the same grading function, thereby avoiding the harmful twisting moments and unbalanced loads on the implement's support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the main frame rotation as an intermediary mechanism between the desired cross-slope grading and the work implement. By rotating the main frame, the system achieves cross-slope grading without directly tilting the work implement, thereby using the main frame as a mediator that transfers the grading function away from the vulnerable linkages and hydraulic cylinders.
2Productivity
If the work implement is tilted for cross-slope grading, then the grading function is achieved, but uneven forces are generated on the implement and associated components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the force application approach by rotating the main frame instead of tilting the work implement. This inversion redistributes the forces from the vulnerable implement and its linkages to the more robust main frame structure, achieving cross-slope grading while maintaining more uniform force distribution across the machine's stable platform.
3Reliability
If conventional tilting methods are used for heavy materials, then light-duty grading is achieved, but the machine cannot effectively handle compact or heavy materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the main frame rotation mechanism serve multiple functions: it enables cross-slope grading for light materials while simultaneously providing the structural stability and force distribution necessary to handle compact or heavy materials. This multi-functional approach allows the same mechanism to reliably perform across different material types and grading conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A track-type loader machine includes a main frame, laterally spaced track roller frames, an equalizer bar pivotally mounted to the main frame and attached to the roller frames, a work implement movably connected to the main frame by a plurality of linkages, and at least one cross-slope actuator which connects one of the roller frames to the main frame. The at least one cross-slope actuator is configured to tilt the work implement and the plurality of linkages in conjunction with the main frame relative to a pivoting axis of the equalizer bar.