Agricultural Hinge Pin Retention with Dual Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines face issues with hinge pins falling out due to large forces encountered during operation, leading to instability and potential damage in tillage and other agricultural implements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hinge system with bushings and fasteners that secure the pin in place, preventing it from falling out, by using a pin that extends through apertures in hinge parts and being anchored by fasteners at both ends, with bushings providing additional stability and friction to retain the pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hinge pin is used to connect hinge parts, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the pin falls out under large forces
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge pin is divided into multiple segments including a head portion, a body portion, and a tail portion with different functions. The head portion engages with one hinge part while the tail portion engages with the other hinge part, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
A collar is introduced as an intermediary component between the hinge pin and the hinge parts. The collar engages with grooves on the hinge parts and provides additional retention force, preventing the pin from falling out under large forces while adding minimal complexity to the overall structure
2Reliability
If the hinge pin is secured with additional fasteners and bushings, then the reliability improves by preventing pin dislodgement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is merged with the hinge pin assembly, where the collar's external surface engages directly with grooves on the hinge parts. This integration eliminates the need for separate fasteners and bushings, achieving reliable pin retention while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The collar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides retention force against large forces, guides the hinge pin during assembly, and engages with grooves on both hinge parts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, balancing reliability improvement with complexity management
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
The solution ensures the hinge pins remain securely in place, enhancing the stability and durability of agricultural machines, allowing for effective pivoting and folding mechanisms without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A first fastener is positioned adjacent the first end of the pin. The first fastener is operable to couple the first part to the center section and to abut the first end of the pin to thereby retain the pin in the first and second apertures.
Implementation Method 2
The implementation of a hinge system with bushings and fasteners that secure the pin in place, preventing it from falling out, by using a pin that extends through apertures in hinge parts and being anchored by fasteners at both ends, with bushings providing additional stability and friction to retain the pin.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge for an agricultural machine having a center section having a first aperture, a wheel supporting the center section, a wing section connected to the center section and having a second aperture, and a hinge positioned between the center section and the wing section to permit the wing section to pivot about the center section. The hinge includes a pin which extends through the first and second apertures to connect the wing section to the center section. A first fastener engages the center section or the wing section and is adjacent to the first end of the pin to thereby retain the pin in the first and second apertures. A second fastener engages the center section or the wing section and is adjacent to the second end of the pin to thereby retain the pin in the first and second apertures.