Agricultural Conveyor Manipulator Multi-Axis Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyors on agricultural carts have limited positioning capabilities and storage configurations, often blocking the cart inlet when in storage, preventing seed loading and requiring complex structures for multi-axis pivoting.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor manipulator with multiple actuators for sliding lateral movement and pivotal movement about vertical and horizontal axes, allowing the conveyor to be moved between transport, storage, and use positions, including a 180° swing for compact storage and unobstructed seed loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the conveyor is positioned in storage above the cart, then compact storage is achieved, but the cart inlet is blocked preventing seed loading
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor manipulator introduces multi-axis movement capabilities, allowing the conveyor to transition from a single-plane storage position to multiple dimensional use positions. The manipulator enables the conveyor to move laterally, pivot vertically, and rotate horizontally, utilizing three-dimensional space to resolve the conflict between compact storage and loading access.
2Device complexity
If the conveyor is limited to single-axis pivoting, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator system is divided into multiple independent actuators, each responsible for a specific degree of freedom. This segmentation allows the complex multi-axis positioning function to be achieved through simpler, modular components rather than a single complex mechanism, balancing device complexity with positioning flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art multi-axis conveyors are used, then conveyor positioning flexibility is improved, but device complexity and structure become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator system integrates multiple functions into a single coordinated mechanism. The same set of actuators enables the conveyor to perform storage, loading, and discharge operations across multiple positions and orientations, achieving universal functionality without requiring separate mechanisms for each operation.
4Device complexity
If the conveyor cannot swing 180°, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for discharge to either side is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator system employs dynamic positioning capabilities with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the conveyor to adapt its orientation in real-time. The multi-axis actuators enable the conveyor to achieve any position within its workspace, including 180° swing for discharge to either side, while maintaining manageable complexity through coordinated control of individual actuators.
Data Source
AI summary
A manipulator is provided for the discharge conveyor of an agricultural seed cart. The manipulator allows the conveyor to be pivoted between a storage and transport position along the top of the cart and adjacent one side of the cart, and a use position extending from the rear of the cart. The manipulator also allows the conveyor to be swung approximately 180° to either side of the cart for discharge of seed to desired locations during use of the conveyor. The manipulator includes multiple actuators for the pivoting and sliding movement of the conveyor.