Modular Cotton Harvester Frame With Pivotal Prime Mover Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cotton harvesters face challenges in maintaining precise spatial orientation of components due to the use of multiple fasteners and brackets, which introduces uncertainty in component positioning and can lead to vibrational issues from rigid coupling configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame assembly system with a primary frame member and removably coupled decks and platforms, utilizing location pins and apertures to ensure precise alignment and reduce the need for multiple fasteners, along with pivotal coupling of the prime mover platform to absorb vibrational inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple fasteners and brackets are used to couple components to the frame, then the components can be securely attached, but the spatial positioning precision deteriorates due to accumulated uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rigid support members as intermediary elements that extend from the frame to directly support components. These support members act as mediators that eliminate the need for multiple fasteners and brackets, thereby reducing cumulative positioning uncertainties while maintaining secure attachment. The support members provide direct structural support that ensures both attachment security and spatial positioning precision.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid coupling configuration is used to attach prime mover to frame, then structural stability is improved, but vibrational inputs are transferred directly to the frame causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vibration isolation elements as intermediary components between the prime mover and the frame. These elements serve as mediators that decouple the direct rigid connection, allowing the prime mover to be securely mounted while preventing vibrational inputs from being transferred to the frame. The vibration isolation elements absorb and dampen vibrations, maintaining structural stability while eliminating harmful vibrational effects.
3Strength
If multiple fasteners and brackets are used for component attachment, then components can be firmly secured, but the number of parts increases creating complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate fasteners and brackets into integrated rigid support members. Instead of using numerous discrete fastening components, the design consolidates them into single structural support elements that perform both support and attachment functions. This merging reduces the total number of parts, simplifies the assembly process, and maintains firm component attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support members are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, ensure proper spatial positioning, and secure component attachment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fasteners and brackets for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining attachment security.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for a work machine having a primary frame member and a prime mover platform removably coupled to the primary frame member. Wherein the prime mover platform is configured to selectively couple a prime mover to the primary frame member.