Central Actuator Layout for Dual Agricultural Work Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural devices with two work units require numerous cylinders for pivotal mounting, leading to high manufacturing and servicing costs and complex construction due to space constraints around connecting axes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a central actuator that applies a biasing force opposed to the downward pivoting movement of each work unit's free end, reducing the need for individual cylinders and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each work unit is linked to its associated support arm by an own actuator (cylinder), then each unit can be independently controlled and matched with ground unevenness, but it requires a large number of cylinders with higher manufacturing and servicing costs and more complex construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation function for both work units into a single central actuator positioned between the two units. This central actuator controls both units simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each unit. The merging reduces the total number of cylinders from two to one, simplifying construction and reducing manufacturing and servicing costs while maintaining the ability to adapt to ground unevenness through the pivotal mounting arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If each work unit is linked to its associated support arm by an own actuator (cylinder), then each unit can be independently controlled, but assembling these cylinders is particularly complex due to the lack of space around the connecting axes
Solution Approach 1:
The central actuator is positioned between the two work units, utilizing the available space in the central region rather than requiring separate space around each connecting axis. This merging approach simplifies assembly by reducing the number of components to install and minimizing spatial constraints during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism transitions from a lateral arrangement (actuators mounted on the outer sides of each unit) to a central arrangement (actuator positioned between the units). This dimensional repositioning optimizes space utilization and facilitates easier assembly by accessing the central region where there is sufficient room for the actuator and its connection mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If a central actuator is used to apply biasing force on both work units, then manufacturing costs and construction complexity are reduced, but the actuator must be designed to efficiently apply force to both units simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The central actuator applies force to each work unit through separate connection points and linkage mechanisms, allowing independent force application to each unit. This segmentation of the force transmission path ensures that each unit can be controlled independently while sharing a common actuator, maintaining adaptability to ground unevenness without requiring two separate actuators.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural device with two work units, the device being able to occupy a work configuration and a transport configuration and comprising a support arm pivotally mounted on a chassis around a lift axis substantially parallel to the direction of advance and around which the device is pivoted to reach the various configurations mentioned above, each unit being pivotally mounted relative to the support arm around a connecting axis, each unit comprising a respective guided end and a respective free end further away from the corresponding connecting axis than its guided end. The agricultural device includes a central actuator configured to apply on each of the units a biasing force opposed to a downward pivoting movement by its free end around the corresponding connecting axis, at least in the work configuration.