Agricultural Closing Device With Rearward Pivot Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closing devices for agricultural machines have a hinge axis positioned above the supporting beam, leading to a need for a forward deviation of the beam during evasive movements, resulting in a less compact machine configuration and potential damage to the closing elements.
Innovation Solution
The articulation axis of the closing device is relocated behind the supporting beam, allowing the beam to pivot upwards and backwards, enabling a more compact design and protecting the closing elements by incorporating a spring-loaded lever with a sloping attachment for overload protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the articulation axis is positioned above the supporting beam, then the closing device can be attached to the holder with a hinge device, but the supporting beam has to deviate very far forward during evasive movements, resulting in a less compact machine configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional position of the articulation axis from above the supporting beam to below it. This inversion changes the pivot behavior during evasive movements, allowing the supporting beam to deviate backwards instead of forwards, thereby enabling a more compact machine configuration without excessive forward deviation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the articulation axis position from a vertical arrangement (above the beam) to a horizontal arrangement (behind the beam). This dimensional shift alters the kinematic behavior of the supporting beam during evasive movements, reducing the forward deviation distance while maintaining the hinge attachment function.
2Device complexity
If the articulation axis is positioned above the supporting beam, then the hinge device can be used for attachment, but the closing device has to be arranged relatively far behind the tillage tools or seed coulters
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the articulation axis position to below the supporting beam, the patent reverses the deviation direction during evasive movements. This allows the closing device to be positioned closer to the tillage tools without compromising the hinge attachment functionality, thereby reducing the distance between the closing device and the tillage tools or seed coulters.
3Reliability
If the articulation axis is positioned above the supporting beam, then the hinge device provides attachment capability, but the closing elements may be damaged during reversing or lowering operations
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted articulation axis position below the supporting beam reverses the pivot direction during reversing operations. Instead of forcing the closing elements to bend forward, they now pivot backwards, allowing them to yield naturally and avoid damage while maintaining the hinge attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates an overload safety unit with a spring element that provides beforehand cushioning for the closing elements. This spring mechanism absorbs excess forces during reversing or lowering operations, preventing damage to the closing elements while allowing the hinge attachment to function normally.
4Reliability
If an overload safety unit with spring-loaded lever is added, then the closing elements are protected during evasive movements, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overload safety unit employs a spring element that provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing excess forces during evasive movements. This simple spring-based mechanism protects the closing elements from damage without requiring complex active control systems or multiple components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The overload safety unit uses a simple spring-loaded lever mechanism with a sloping attachment that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach prioritizes reliability through a simple, robust design rather than a complex, expensive system, aligning with the principle of using simpler, more replaceable components for safety functions.
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 configuration allows the closing device to be positioned closer to tillage tools, enhancing machine compactness and preventing damage to the closing elements during reversing or lowering operations.
Implementation Method 1
the overload safety unit has a spring-loaded lever with a sloping and/or wedge-shaped attachment
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded lever with a sloping and/or wedge-shaped attachment, so that the attachment interacts with a holding element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The smoothing device has a support arm (1) arranging the smoothing device at a frame. A support beam (4) is rotatably fastened to a holder around a hinge axis (9) by a hinge device. The support beam extends transverse to a driving direction (3). Smoothing elements (5) are arranged at the beam. The hinge device is designed such that the beam with the smoothing elements pivots around the axis during rearward driving of the machine. Free ends of the smoothing elements pivot relative to the frame in the direction. The hinge axis is provided at a distance behind the beam.