Cast Rocker Arm for Towed Agricultural Implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing towed agricultural implements with pivotable wheels have a complex and time-consuming production process due to the rectilinear design of longitudinal and cross beams, requiring lengthy welding of components.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece cast rocker design with a waist-like outer contour, utilizing a hydraulic cylinder for lifting, and a four-bar linkage with double-barreled joint plates at the ends, allowing for efficient force introduction and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If longitudinal beams and cross beams are welded together to form the rocker, then the structural strength is ensured, but the production time increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate beam components (longitudinal beams and cross beams) into a single integrated rocker body. This is achieved by providing recesses in the rocker that receive and secure the beams, eliminating the need for welding while maintaining structural integrity. The merging of components directly reduces production time and manufacturing complexity while preserving the required strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker is segmented into functional zones with recesses designed to receive specific beams. These recesses are strategically positioned to accommodate longitudinal beams and cross beams, allowing for modular assembly without welding. The segmentation enables precise force distribution while simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Device complexity
If longitudinal beams are arranged in a straight line and spaced apart, then the structural design is simplified, but the cross members must be relatively long and welding becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate cross members by integrating the beam support function directly into the rocker body through recesses. The longitudinal beams are received in recesses that provide the necessary spacing and support without requiring additional cross members, thereby reducing both design complexity and welding requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If the rocker is designed with multiple separate components, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rocker components into a single monolithic structure with integrated recesses. This merging eliminates the need for complex assembly operations while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through the design of the recesses themselves, which can be formed during the casting or machining of the single piece.
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
This design enhances the functional efficiency of the swing arm, reduces production time, and allows for advantageous force distribution, resulting in a more compact and efficient agricultural implement.
Implementation Method 1
Using a hydraulic cylinder, the rocker and thus the wheels can be lifted off the ground or the device can be lifted off the ground by lowering the wheels
Data Source
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AI summary
Towed agricultural implement with a frame and a support device arranged on the rear of the frame and having at least two wheels spaced apart from each other transversely to the direction of travel, preferably designed as a chassis, which has at least one linkage having a rocker arm, wherein the rocker arm is pivotably arranged on the frame in an upright plane by means of at least one joint, wherein a motorized actuating cylinder, preferably a hydraulic cylinder, is arranged between the frame and the rocker arm for pivoting the rocker arm, wherein the rocker arm has at least two longitudinal beams spaced apart from each other.In order to create an advantageously designed rocker arm, it is provided that the longitudinal beams are curved and arranged in such a way that the convex sides are adjacent to each other, that the longitudinal beams are arranged in a mirror image to each other, that the longitudinal beams are connected to each other in the area closest to each other by means of a connecting piece, and that the actuating cylinder engages the rocker arm in the area of the connecting piece.