Transverse Hinge Device for Soil-Shifting Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transverse hinge devices require disassembly during operation when tilting implements, such as excavator buckets or pallet forks, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when switching between different implements.
Innovation Solution
A transverse hinge device with a Z-shaped construction, featuring first and second coupling yokes and a pivot yoke, allowing for eccentric pivoting around pivot axes on either side of the center, enabling transverse movement without the need for disassembly, utilizing drive means like hydraulic cylinders for controlled angular adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional transverse hinge device is used, then the implement can be tilted to the right or left, but the device requires disassembly during operation when tilting is not necessary, which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse hinge device is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to automatically tilt the implement to the right or left based on operational needs. The device includes a transverse hinge mechanism with pivotable coupling yokes that enable automatic tilting without manual disassembly, transforming a static assembly requirement into a dynamic, on-demand tilting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service tilting functionality where the implement can be tilted to the right or left automatically through the transverse hinge mechanism without requiring external intervention for disassembly and reassembly. The system serves itself by incorporating the tilting capability directly into the coupled structure
2Productivity
If the transverse hinge device is always attached to the manipulation arm, then implement exchange time is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the Z-shaped construction with multiple pivot assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse hinge device is segmented into distinct functional components including a first coupling yoke, a second coupling yoke, and a pivot yoke, where each segment can pivot independently around its own pivot assembly. This segmentation allows the complex tilting functionality to be achieved through coordinated movement of simpler, modular components rather than a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where the first coupling yoke and second coupling yoke are interconnected through the pivot yoke, forming a compact Z-shaped arrangement. The pivot assemblies are integrated within the yoke structures, creating a space-efficient nested configuration that reduces overall device footprint while maintaining full tilting functionality
3Length of moving object
If the distance between coupling planes is minimized, then the device depth is reduced, but the pivot assemblies must be positioned eccentrically from the center, complicating the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The device deliberately employs asymmetric positioning of the pivot assemblies, with the first pivot assembly offset to one side of the center and the second pivot assembly offset to the other side. This asymmetric configuration creates the compact Z-shaped structure that minimizes device depth while distributing the mechanical complexity across two simpler, symmetrically-placed pivot points rather than requiring a single complex centered mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
Device (1) for allowing pivoting in the transverse direction of an implement (2) relative to the implement coupling of a manipulation arm, in use mounted between the implement coupling and an implement. By means of a pivot yoke (7) with two off-centre pivot axes (8, 11), a first yoke (3) and a second yoke (5) can be pivotably driven to the right (R) or left from a centre position, allowing the implement to be "tilted" either to the left or to the right.