Vibratory Plate Transport Wheel Locking for One-Motion Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices for vibratory plate compactors, which can swivel between storage and transport positions, are inconvenient to adjust.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory plate compactor design featuring a transport device pivotally mounted on a superstructure with a locking mechanism and swivel drive gear, allowing for a single actuating movement to switch between positions, and a locking element that secures the device in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transport wheels are pivotably mounted on the vibratory plate between storage and transport positions, then the transport device can be adjusted between positions, but the adjustment process is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device utilizes the weight of the vibratory plate compactor itself to automatically pivot the bearing arms into the transport position. When the locking element is actuated to release the locked position, gravity causes the bearing arms to swing downward and forward, jack up the compactor, and position the wheels on the ground automatically, eliminating the need for manual positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design pre-positions the bearing arms and locking mechanism such that actuation of the locking element automatically initiates the entire adjustment sequence. The bearing arms are preliminarily configured to pivot in a specific trajectory that first releases the lock, then uses gravitational force to swing the arms into the transport position, and finally locks automatically at the end position.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the transport device in position, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it locks the bearing arms in the stowed position, initiates the pivoting movement when actuated, and automatically re-locks at the transport position. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate locking and actuating mechanisms into a single integrated component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a multi-functional component that operates in both locked and unlocked states, serving as both a security device and an actuating mechanism. The same element that secures the device in one position also triggers the transition to another position, eliminating the need for separate locking and actuating systems.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient transition between storage and transport positions without disassembly, enhancing operational convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing gravity to pivot the bearing arm from a stow position to a transport position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~5B
Figure 6A~7B
AI summary
The invention relates to a vibratory plate compactor with a transport device pivotably mounted on a superstructure between a storage position and a transport position about a bearing arm pivot axis, and to a method for adjusting a transport device of a vibratory plate compactor that pivots between a storage position and a transport position.