Counter Spring Latch for Mower Header Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines, such as towed mowers, face challenges in securely latching the mower's header to the tongue during transport to prevent instability and stress on the mower structure, while also needing a simple and reliable mechanism to convert between transport and operational configurations.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism utilizing a catch and receiver with dual springs and a cable system, where a first spring biases the catch into engagement and a second, stiffer spring disengages it, assisted by an actuator, allows for secure latching and easy release, ensuring the mower can pivot between transport and operational configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism is used to secure the header to the tongue during transport, then the stability and reliability of the mower during transport is improved, but the complexity of the latching and unlatching operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage through spring-loaded catch and receiver components. The first spring biases the catch into engagement with the receiver during transport, while the second spring enables automatic disengagement when the wheel arm pivots, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static locked position during transport to a dynamic unlocked position during field operations. The spring-loaded catch can pivot between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the system to adapt automatically to different operational configurations without complex control systems
2Ease of operation
If a simple mechanical latching mechanism is used, then the ease of operation for converting between configurations is improved, but the reliability and robustness of the security during transport may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into independent functional components: a catch with pivot motion, a receiver, a first spring for engagement biasing, and a second spring for disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded design provides inherent cushioning and compliance in the latching mechanism. The springs absorb shocks and variations in alignment during engagement, ensuring reliable latching even under varying operational conditions without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
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
The mechanism provides a robust and reliable means to secure and release the trail frame from the tongue, maintaining stability during transport and enabling easy conversion to the mowing configuration, even if the cable breaks or the trail frame rotates prematurely.
Implementation Method 1
A first spring acts between the catch and the first item on a first side of the fulcrum for biasing the catch into engagement with the receiver
Implementation Method 2
A second spring acts between the swing arm and the catch on a second side of the fulcrum opposite to the first side. Pivoting motion of the swing arm applies tension to the second spring, thereby pivoting the catch about the fulcrum and disengaging it from the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism is used with agricultural equipment, such as a mower, for securing the header of the mower to the tongue during transport. A pivoting catch is mounted on the trail frame on which the header is mounted. A receiver for the catch is mounted on the tongue. During mower transport the catch is biased into engagement with the receiver by a first spring and secures the header to the tongue in a parallel orientation. When the mower configuration is changed to operational mode the catch is disengaged from the receiver using a second spring attached to the catch. A cable attaches the second spring to a wheel arm of a field wheel. Deployment of the field wheel into the operation mode draws the cable and second spring into tension, overcoming the biasing force of the first spring and pivoting the catch out of engagement with the receiver.