Agricultural Vehicle Conveyance Linkage with Passive Tilt
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural vehicle conveyance systems face difficulties in maneuvering the conveyance mechanism between storage and deployed positions without contacting obstacles or damaging the vehicle, due to the complexity of precise control required for horizontal and vertical movements.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance system with a linkage mechanism that includes a vertical movement mechanism, a tilt movement mechanism with a tilt actuator, and a second connection mechanism allowing independent tilt movement, enabling the conveyance mechanism to pivot and move vertically, reducing the need for separate actuation of the tilt actuator and minimizing contact risks during deployment and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the conveyance mechanism is mounted directly on the vehicle with deployment mechanism, then it is more convenient for transferring agricultural product, but it requires complex precise control to maneuver between storage and deployed positions without contacting obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the conveyance mechanism movable through multiple degrees of freedom. The mechanism can pivot about a vertical axis via a swivel connection and tilt about a horizontal axis through a tilt actuator. This dynamic configuration allows the conveyance mechanism to automatically adjust its position and orientation during deployment and retraction, eliminating the need for complex precise control while maintaining operational convenience.
2Measurement precision
If the conveyance mechanism requires separate actuation for tilt movement, then precise control is achieved, but operational complexity increases and risk of contact with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the conveyance mechanism to perform tilt movement automatically through its connection to the linkage system. When the linkage extends or retracts, it passively drives the tilt motion through the second connection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuation. This reduces operational complexity while maintaining adequate control through the inherent mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tilt actuation function with the deployment mechanism. The tilt actuator is integrated into the linkage system such that its movement is coupled with the extension and retraction of the conveyance mechanism. This combination allows both deployment and tilting to occur through a single coordinated motion, reducing operational complexity while maintaining precise control through the integrated mechanical connection.
3Productivity
If the conveyance mechanism is extended fully for product transfer, then productivity is improved, but the risk of contacting obstacles or damaging the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the conveyance mechanism to pivot and tilt during extension. The swivel connection allows horizontal rotation while the tilt actuator enables angular adjustment. This dynamic positioning capability allows the mechanism to navigate around obstacles and maintain safe clearance from the vehicle body, reducing damage risk while maintaining full extension for efficient product transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the conveyance mechanism to change its orientation parameters (pivot angle and tilt angle) during deployment. These parameter adjustments enable the mechanism to adapt its position dynamically, avoiding obstacles and preventing damage while maintaining the extended configuration needed for productive operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a conveyance system comprises a conveyance mechanism and a linkage configured to movably couple the conveyance mechanism to a vehicle, wherein the conveyance mechanism is coupled to the linkage at a first connection mechanism and configured to pivot about a pivot point. The conveyance system comprises a vertical movement mechanism configured to move the first connection mechanism in a substantially vertical direction, and a tilt movement mechanism comprising a tilt actuator configured to pivot the conveyance mechanism about the pivot point. A second connection mechanism couples the tilt actuator to one of the conveyance mechanism or the linkage and allows a defined range of tilt movement of the conveyance mechanism that is independent of actuation of the tilt actuator.