Biased Diagonal Brace for Agricultural Implement Frame Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implement frames face excessive metal fatigue and potential failure due to large bending forces from ground-engaging tools, particularly in wider implements, where conventional diagonal braces render the frame rigid and prevent shock absorption, leading to increased peak forces and the need for significant reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
A diagonal brace apparatus using a bias element or hydraulic cylinder to exert a bias force that preloads the outer frame end forward, allowing it to flex both forward and rearward, reducing metal fatigue by distributing forces more evenly and absorbing shock loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional diagonal braces are used to prevent frame flexing, then metal fatigue is reduced, but shock absorption capability is lost and peak forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diagonal brace incorporates a telescopic mechanism with movable segments that allow dynamic adjustment of brace length. This enables the brace to flex and absorb shock forces while maintaining diagonal support, resolving the contradiction between preventing metal fatigue and allowing shock absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace uses adjustable length parameters through telescopic segments, allowing the structural rigidity and flexing characteristics to be modified. This parameter change enables the brace to adapt between providing rigid support for fatigue prevention and allowing controlled flexing for shock absorption.
2Strength
If frame beams are made stronger to resist bending forces, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diagonal brace is divided into multiple telescopic segments that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the brace to maintain strength while providing flexibility, avoiding the need for complex reinforcement of the entire frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic diagonal brace acts as an intermediary element between the frame members, providing the necessary support and force distribution without requiring direct reinforcement of the main frame beams, thus reducing overall complexity.
3Reliability
If the frame is made rigid to reduce metal fatigue, then durability is improved, but adaptability to varying soil conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic segments enable the brace to dynamically adjust its configuration in response to varying operational conditions including different soil types and tool engagement forces, maintaining durability while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable length parameter of the telescopic brace allows the frame to adapt its structural characteristics to match varying soil conditions and operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between durability and adaptability.
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 diagonal brace apparatus reduces metal fatigue by allowing the frame to flex within a broader range, absorbing shock loads effectively while maintaining structural integrity, and can be adjusted for varying soil conditions, providing an economical solution compared to traditional reinforcement methods.
Implementation Method 1
The lateral beams thus act like a shock absorber to limit the peak forces on the frame, wing hinges, hitch, and the like. While such flexing is beneficial, excessive flexing leads to accelerated metal fatigue
Implementation Method 2
A hydraulic cylinder has a first end connected to a front inner portion of the implement frame forward of the inner beam end, and a second end connected to an outer portion of the lateral beam. A hydraulic source is operative to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder at a bias pressure such that the hydraulic cylinder exerts a bias force
Data Source
AI summary
A diagonal brace apparatus for an implement frame includes a bias element connected to a front location on a front portion of the implement frame and connected to a rear location on a rear portion of the implement frame laterally offset from the front location. The bias element is operative to exert a bias force resisting rearward movement of an outer end of the implement frame with respect to an inner end of the implement frame. Conveniently the bias element is provided by a hydraulic cylinder which exerts a bias force and can extend to allow the frame to flex to reduce shock loading on the implement when excessive forces are exerted on the frame.