Work Tool Attachment Guide for Vertical Lift Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work machines face inefficiencies due to the need for multiple attachments and varying control systems, leading to complexities in adapting attachments for different functionalities and machines, particularly in the geometry of linkage which affects the vertical movement of tools like blades on crawler dozers when used on compact track loaders.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a work tool attachment system with a guide rigidly coupled to the frame, a movable member, and hydraulic cylinders that restrict movement in non-vertical directions, allowing for precise vertical lifting and lowering of tools like blades or forks, and optional auxiliary cylinders for tilting and angling, ensuring alignment with the machine's frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized attachment is coupled to a work machine with different geometry of linkage, then the attachment can be used on multiple work machines, but the attachment does not move in a perfectly vertical line creating inefficiencies in control
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the attachment and the boom assembly. The guide member receives the attachment and constrains its movement to follow a vertical path relative to the work machine frame, mediating between the attachment's standardized coupling and the machine's specific geometry of linkage to eliminate curved movement paths
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct components: the standardized attachment interface, the guide member with vertical constraint, and the boom assembly. This segmentation allows the guide member to independently correct the movement path without requiring modification to the standardized attachment coupling mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different attachments are coupled with several work machines to perform various functions, then the work machines can handle diverse tasks, but the complexity of adapting attachments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different attachment types while providing consistent vertical movement control. The standardized attachment interface combined with the guide member creates a multi-functional system where the same guide mechanism works with various attachments (blades, forks, etc.) on different work machines
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member serves as a universal intermediary that simplifies the adaptation process for multiple attachment types. Rather than requiring custom linkage geometry for each attachment-machine combination, the guide member provides a standardized interface that works across different attachment types and work machine models
3Productivity
If the geometry of linkage causes the blade to trace a curve during lifting or lowering, then the attachment can be coupled to the work machine, but depth control becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member acts as a mediator that intercepts the curved movement path caused by the boom assembly's geometry of linkage and redirects it into a vertical path. The guide member's vertical constraint ensures that the attachment moves straight up and down, providing accurate depth control while still allowing the boom assembly to function with its original geometry
4Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary hydraulic cylinders are added for tilting and angling the work tool, then the versatility of the attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary hydraulic cylinders for tilting and angling are merged with the existing boom assembly and guide member structure. The tilt cylinders are integrated into the guide member assembly, and the angle control is combined with the vertical movement mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while providing enhanced orientation control capabilities
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
This solution simplifies operator use by enabling quick adaptation of attachments, improving control precision and efficiency, particularly in grading operations, by ensuring tools move vertically and are aligned correctly with the machine's frame, enhancing the versatility and stability of the attachment system.
Implementation Method 1
The moveable member may move relative to the frame by a pair of hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 2
The guide may restrict movement of the movable member in a non-vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine extending in a fore-aft direction comprising a frame and a ground-engaging mechanism, the ground-engaging mechanism configured to support the frame on a ground surface; a boom assembly coupled to the frame, the boom assembly having a pair of boom arms pivotally coupled to the frame; and an attachment coupled to a fore-section of the boom arms. The attachment may comprise a guide rigidly coupled to a fore-section of the frame; a movable member coupled to the guide, the movable member moveable relative to the frame by a pair of hydraulic cylinders, the guide restricting movement of the movable member in a non-vertical direction; and a work tool coupled to the movable member wherein actuating the pair of hydraulic cylinders engages the movable member, vertically lifting or lowering the work tool relative to the frame.