V-Shaped Ditch Blade Assembly with Integrated Roller

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tractor implements like box blades and grader blades are limited in efficiently moving and compacting loose dirt, requiring multiple passes and additional equipment, which is time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A dual blade assembly with blades oriented at an angle to direct dirt into a central channel, optionally including a roller for compaction and weight adjustment, allowing for a single pass to fill trenches effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single blade is used perpendicular to the tractor, then the blade can scrape and push dirt, but it cannot efficiently direct dirt into a trench or provide compaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrench filling efficiencyVSAvoidblade orientation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single blade is divided into two separate blades that can be independently oriented. Each blade is mounted on its own adjustable arm, allowing them to be positioned at different angles to efficiently direct dirt from both sides of a trench into the center, while the tractor maintains a straight path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blade arms are made adjustable and reconfigurable, allowing the operator to change the orientation and position of each blade according to different trench-filling scenarios. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same implement to adapt to various field conditions and trench configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the tractor shifts to one side to allow the blade to slide dirt into the trench, then dirt can be moved, but the tractor tires may get too close to or fall into the trench

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirt movement efficiencyVSAvoidtractor stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single blade function is segmented into two blades that can work simultaneously from opposite sides of the trench. This allows the tractor to remain centered and stable on level ground while both blades independently direct dirt into the trench, eliminating the need for the tractor to shift position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple passes are used to fill and compact the trench, then thorough compaction is achieved, but time and fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirt compaction qualityVSAvoidtrench filling time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The trench-filling operation and the compaction operation are merged into a single integrated implement. The two blades fill the trench while a rear roller simultaneously compacts the deposited dirt, allowing both functions to be performed in one pass rather than requiring separate operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The implement is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a trench-filling device (via the two adjustable blades) and a compaction device (via the integrated roller). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate compaction passes, saving time and fuel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If additional equipment is used for compaction after filling, then compaction is achieved, but equipment cost and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirt compactionVSAvoidequipment configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compaction roller is integrated into the same implement frame as the two blades, creating a single unified device that performs both filling and compaction. This eliminates the need for separate compaction equipment and simplifies the overall system configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The implement is designed as a multi-functional device that combines trench-filling blades with an integrated compaction roller, allowing one piece of equipment to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate implements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12031294B2Ditch blade assembly
Publication Date: 2024.07.09 BENNETT JR TOM
  • US12031294B2 patent drawing
  • US12031294B2 patent drawing
  • US12031294B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A ditch blade assembly includes a frame coupling opposing blades oriented in a V-shape. The blades are configured to scrape the ground or surface matter to distribute that matter into a singular channel and/or smooth the surface of the ground. A roller is included to compact the loose dirt exiting the gap between the blades. One or more weights are included to increase the down pressure on the blades. The blade angle may be adjusted with both a manual and hydraulic operating assembly.