Wing Plow Post Link Alignment and Float Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wing plow support configurations experience excessive stress and wear at the toe end due to inadequate alignment and bracing, leading to limited float capability and manual operation challenges when engaging the plow.
Innovation Solution
A wing plow support apparatus with links aligned parallel to the wing plow in the plowing position, incorporating a bushing system with grease fittings, extended side plates for wear reduction, and a hydraulic cylinder for downward power, along with locking collars and tilted mounting to minimize stress and enhance float functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional support configurations with plates and bolts are used to attach the wing plow toe to the vehicle frame, then the structure provides basic support, but excessive stress and wear occur at the toe end due to inadequate alignment and bracing
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is divided into multiple segments: vertical plate, extended side plates, links, and bracing members. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific stresses independently, distributing the load more effectively and reducing wear at critical points like the toe end connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Extended side plates are added specifically at the toe end connection area to provide enhanced local reinforcement and wear resistance. The bracing members are positioned to provide targeted support where stress concentrations occur, rather than uniformly reinforcing the entire structure.
2Ease of operation
If conventional support arrangements are used, then the wing plow can be attached to the vehicle, but the float capability is limited and manual operation is required when engaging the plow
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus incorporates dynamic elements including a hydraulic cylinder for automated elevation control and a spring mechanism that provides浮动 capability. These dynamic components allow the wing plow to automatically adapt to terrain variations and engage without manual intervention, transitioning from static conventional supports to an actively controlled system.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic cylinder is integrated into the support apparatus to provide powered elevation of the wing plow. This hydraulic actuation enables automatic engagement and disengagement operations, replacing manual effort and providing controlled movement that adapts to varying operational conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wing plow is designed to rise and fall with material being moved to maintain optimal plowing position, then float capability is improved, but lateral stress on links perpendicular to the vehicle increases causing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The link arrangement uses asymmetric positioning and orientation of links relative to the vehicle centerline. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the load paths to reduce lateral stress components on the links while maintaining the float capability that allows the plow to adapt to terrain variations.
Solution Approach 2:
Bushings are introduced as intermediary elements at the link pivot points where the links connect to the vertical plate and extended side plates. These bushings reduce friction and wear caused by lateral stresses, allowing the links to pivot smoothly while maintaining the structural integrity of the connection points.
4Adaptability or versatility
If trailing links are used to support the wing plow toe, then the plow can float over terrain, but lateral stress causes the links to rub against plates creating wear
Solution Approach 1:
Bushings are positioned at all link pivot points as intermediary bearing surfaces. These bushings intervene between the metal-to-metal contact points where links connect to plates, converting direct frictional wear into distributed contact through the bushing material, significantly reducing wear on both the links and plates while maintaining float capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the contact parameters at pivot points by introducing bushings with appropriate material properties (friction characteristics, hardness, wear resistance). This parameter change transforms the interaction between links and plates from high-friction metal-to-metal contact to lower-friction contact through the bushing intermediary.
Data Source
AI summary
A wing plow post and method of manufacturing the post is disclosed. The post is intended for attaching a wing plow to vehicle for moving material, such as snow. The links of the post are parallel to the angle of the wing plow when the plow is in the plowing position to minimize stress on the post and frame of the vehicle. The post includes a float collar on the hydraulic lift cylinder to provide free floating of the toe end of the wing plow. It allows a wing plow to move over road surfaces and limit the stress on both the post itself and the frame of the vehicle to which the post is attached. Further, the plow also allows power to be provided by a hydraulic cylinder in the downward direction to the toe end of the wing plow.