Articulated Farm Implement with Front and Rear Mowing Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current farm implements, such as mowers, have limited operational capacity when towed behind tractors, requiring multiple tractors to increase efficiency, which raises capital and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A farm implement with a central frame and adjustable crop engaging arms configured to be releasably coupled to a tractor's power take-off device, featuring power transmission mechanisms and articulated arms to increase mowing capacity without additional tractors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size or span of the farm implement is increased to improve harvesting efficiency, then greater crop volumes can be harvested in shorter intervals, but the capital cost increases as multiple tractors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The farm implement is divided into multiple independently controllable work units (front and rear mowing units with separate cutting decks and hydraulic systems). Each unit can be independently adjusted and controlled, allowing the implement to cover a larger area while being powered by a single tractor through the articulated frame and hydraulic power take-off system.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement extends the operational width by adding rearward crop engaging arms that project beyond the tractor's rear width, effectively utilizing the lateral dimension to increase harvesting capacity without requiring additional tractors. The articulated arms can be positioned at different angles and widths to optimize coverage.
2Productivity
If multiple tractors are used to increase mowing capacity, then larger fields can be covered, but both capital costs and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mowing functions are merged into a single articulated implement that can be operated by one tractor. The front and rear mowing units share common structural support and hydraulic power sources from the tractor, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate mowing machines into one integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated implement serves multiple functions simultaneously - front mowing, rear mowing, and adjustable width operation - all controlled from a single tractor platform. The system can adapt to different field conditions and crop types by adjusting the articulation angles and engagement positions of the various arms.
3Productivity
If the operational capacity of a tractor-drawn implement is enlarged, then efficiency improves, but the structural complexity of the implement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implement uses articulated joints and hydraulic actuators that allow dynamic adjustment of the rearward arms' positions and angles. This dynamic capability enables the implement to adapt its configuration for different operational conditions while maintaining structural integrity, managing complexity through controlled movement rather than rigid multi-component assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A farm implement configured to be releasably coupled to a tractor equipped with a rearwardly oriented power take of device. The farm implement includes a central frame; at least two forward crop engaging arms mounted on the frame, that extend outward from a central axis to a first width and; at least two crop rearward engaging arms mounted on the frame. The rearward crop engaging arms extend outward from a central axis to a second width. A plurality of crop engaging members, are positioned on each of the forward and rearward crop engaging arms. The implement also includes a power transmission mechanism operatively connected to the forward crop and rearward engaging arms and engageable with the power take off apparatus on the associated tractor.