Fertilizer Applicator In-Frame Folding Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fertilizer applicators face challenges in increasing operational width beyond fifty-two feet while maintaining a transport width of less than twenty feet, due to the addition of extra frame sections requiring more pivot joints and actuators, which increases machine size and affects weight distribution, compromising the integrity of the carrier frame-tractor connection.

Innovation Solution

A fertilizer applicator design with a seven-section frame assembly, including a carrier frame and pivotally mounted outer wing sections, where each wing section has an inner and outer wing member with an actuator positioned within an elongated cavity, allowing the outer wing member to pivot upland against the inner wing member, reducing the physical structure's interference and enabling a wider operational width of at least sixty feet while maintaining a compact transport position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a third frame section is added to each wing boom to increase operational width, then the working width increases beyond fifty-two feet, but the transport width increases and the machine size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational widthVSAvoidtransport width

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wing boom is divided into three frame sections (inner, middle, and outer) that can be folded relative to each other. The inner frame section is pivotally mounted to the carrier frame, the middle frame section is pivotally mounted to the inner frame section, and the outer frame section is pivotally mounted to the middle frame section. This segmentation allows the wing boom to extend to six hundred fifty feet for maximum productivity while folding to a compact transport width of less than twenty feet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wing boom employs dynamic folding mechanisms with pivot joints and actuators that allow the frame sections to transition between extended working position and folded transport position. The actuators provide controlled movement to fold the middle and outer frame sections vertically against the inner frame section, enabling the machine to adapt its width dynamically based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If more frame sections and pivot joints are added to increase operational width, then the working width increases, but the number of actuators and pivot joints increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational widthVSAvoidnumber of pivot joints and actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The middle and outer frame sections are designed to fold nested against the inner frame section during transport. When folded, the middle frame section positions against the inner frame section, and the outer frame section folds against the middle frame section, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes the overall transport width while maintaining the capability for extended operational width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If conventional vertical folding is used for three frame sections, then the working width can be achieved, but the actuators and pivot connections require larger size to support additional weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking widthVSAvoidactuator and pivot connection size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The folding mechanism transitions from a simple vertical fold to a multi-dimensional folding sequence. The middle frame section folds vertically against the inner frame section, and the outer frame section folds in a similar manner against the middle frame section. This multi-dimensional folding approach distributes the weight more effectively and reduces the size requirements for individual actuators and pivot connections compared to a single vertical fold of all sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If three frame sections are folded vertically, then the working width is achieved, but the weight distribution on the carrier frame becomes undesirable and affects the integrity of the carrier frame-tractor connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking widthVSAvoidweight distribution and carrier frame integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8820429B2Fertilizer applicator with in-frame folding actuator for folding an outer frame member relative to an inner frame member

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A fertilizer applicator of increased operating width, e.g., sixty (60) or sixty-five (65) feet, has a carrier frame and a pair of wing sections pivotally mounted to opposite ends of the carrier frame. The wing sections include an inner wing member and an outer wing member. Each wing section includes an actuator for folding/unfolding a respective outer wing member relative to a respective inner wing member. The inner wing member includes a frame member defining an elongated cavity, and the actuator is positioned within the elongated cavity. This allows the actuator to effectively fold/unfold the outer wing member relative to the inner wing member without the physical structure of the actuator impeding movement of the outer wing member thereby allowing the outer wing member to pivot upland to a position against the inner wing member.