Wing Plow Post Linkage Alignment and Hydraulic Float
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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 floating mechanisms, leading to inefficient operation and manual intervention for engaging the plow, with existing solutions either causing lateral stress or failing to provide sufficient downward pressure and float capability.
Innovation Solution
A wing plow support apparatus with links aligned parallel to the wing plow in the plowing position, incorporating a hydraulic cylinder for downward power, bushing systems with grease fittings, extended side plates for wear reduction, and locking collars to secure pivot bolts, allowing for smooth operation and float over varying terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wing plow is supported by laterally extending links or armatures, then the plow can rise and fall with material movement, but lateral stress causes the links to rub against plates, causing wear
Solution Approach 1:
A bushing is introduced as an intermediary component between the link and the plate, allowing the link to pivot while the bushing absorbs the lateral stress and rubbing, thereby reducing wear on the link itself
Solution Approach 2:
The link is designed to change its orientation angle relative to the vehicle, allowing it to align parallel to the wing plow in the plowing position, which minimizes stress and optimizes the floating mechanism
2Force
If the hydraulic lift cylinder is fixed to the linkage on both ends, then lift force is applied, but downward pressure cannot be applied to the lifting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic lift cylinder is configured to apply force in both directions - it can both lift the wing plow and apply downward pressure to force it into the plowing position, effectively inverting the single-direction limitation of fixed-end cylinders
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wing plow support uses a fixed position armature, then structural stability is maintained, but the plow cannot float over rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The armature is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to adjust its position and angle in response to terrain variations while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the plow to float over rough terrain
4Ease of manufacture
If the links are arranged perpendicular to the vehicle, then mounting is simplified, but stress at the toe end is maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The links are arranged asymmetrically at an angle rather than perpendicular to the vehicle, specifically aligned parallel to the wing plow in the plowing position, which redistributes and minimizes stress at the toe end while maintaining ease of mounting
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 present invention also allows power to be provided by a hydraulic cylinder in the downward direction to the toe end of the wing plow.