Agricultural Implement Side Section Vertical Pivot Axis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural implements with large working widths face challenges in maintaining compliance with maximum permissible transport widths, particularly due to the need for height-adjustable tillage and/or sowing elements, which complicates storage container design and usage with side parts of different working widths.

Innovation Solution

The implement features side parts that can pivot into both working and transport positions, with a vertically oriented pivot axis allowing flexible positioning, and includes a support device that pivots around an upright axis, enabling compact transport while maintaining a wide working width, using adjustable end stops and actuators for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If height-adjustable tillage and/or sowing elements are used, then the implement can adapt to different working conditions, but the hopper volume is reduced and design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustability of tillage elementsVSAvoidhopper volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The implement is divided into modular components: a central frame with hopper and multiple interchangeable side panels. Each side panel contains the height-adjustable tillage elements, separating the storage function (hopper) from the adjustable working elements. This allows the hopper to maintain full volume while the side panels provide adaptability through height adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side panels with tillage elements are designed to be interchangeable and attach to the central frame. The height-adjustable elements within each side panel can be nested or retracted when not in use, allowing compact storage while maintaining full hopper volume. The modular design enables different side panels to be nested or stored when not attached to the implement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If side parts are extended to achieve large working width, then working efficiency increases, but transport width exceeds maximum permissible limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking widthVSAvoidtransport width
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The side parts are designed with dynamic positioning capability through pivoting mechanisms. During working operations, the side parts extend horizontally to maximize working width. During transport, the side parts can be pivoted upward to a vertical or angled position, reducing the overall transport width to comply with road regulations. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the implement to adapt its dimensions based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The side parts utilize vertical space during transport by pivoting upward, transitioning from a horizontal extension (affecting transport width) to a vertical orientation. This dimensional change allows the implement to maintain large working width capabilities while complying with transport width restrictions, effectively using the third dimension (height) to resolve the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the same hopper is used with side panels of different working widths, then versatility increases, but positioning and alignment become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different side panelsVSAvoidpositioning of side panels
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The central frame and hopper are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple types of side panels with different working widths. Standardized mounting interfaces, pivot points, and adjustment mechanisms are provided on the central frame to work with various side panel configurations. This universal design allows the same hopper to be used with different side panels while maintaining ease of positioning through consistent attachment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4480293A1Agricultural working implement with supporting device
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 HORSCH MASCHINEN SE & CO KG
  • EP4480293A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4480293A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4480293A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The invention relates to an agricultural implement (10), in particular a tillage and/or seeding implement with a large working width, comprising a central frame (14) and two side sections (12) that can be pivoted relative to the central frame (14) into a working position and a transport position, wherein the side sections (12) are each formed by at least one frame support (22) on which working tools (24) are mounted and on which, by means of a pivoting support (26), at least one support device (28), which is designed for guiding the height of the working tools (24) and/or the frame support (22) along a ground surface, is mounted. The agricultural implement (10) according to the invention is characterized in that the pivoting support (26) is pivotably mounted on the frame support (22) by means of an axis (30) that is oriented at least approximately vertically in the working position of the side sections (12).