Agricultural Implement Coupling Linkage for Obstruction Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling apparatuses for agricultural implements, such as mowers, face delays in reacting to obstructions due to spring-loaded latching mechanisms and hydraulic suspension systems, leading to initial damage before the implement can pivot away from the obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical linkage mechanism that allows the agricultural implement to initially displace upwardly and rearwardly upon impact, minimizing initial damage by rapidly moving from an operative state to a displaced state, independent of delays in spring-loaded latching mechanisms or hydraulic suspension systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded latching mechanism is used to retain the carrier arm in the operative state, then the carrier arm can be held securely during normal operation, but there is a delay before the mechanism releases when the mower encounters an obstruction, resulting in initial damage to the mower
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is pre-configured with pivot axes positioned below ground level, so that upon obstruction contact, the mounting element immediately begins rotating about these predetermined axes. This preliminary positioning of pivot axes enables instant rotational movement without waiting for the spring-loaded latching mechanism to release, thereby eliminating the release delay while maintaining secure retention during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling apparatus is divided into functionally independent components: the linkage mechanism with its pivot axes handles the immediate response to obstructions through rotational movement, while the spring-loaded latching mechanism separately maintains secure retention during normal operation. This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently, resolving the contradiction between secure retention and rapid release
2Reliability
If a hydraulic suspension spring is used to support the carrier arm, then the carrier arm can be held in the operative state with the skid plate bearing on the ground, but the reaction time is relatively slow, causing initial damage before the carrier arm can pivot upwardly
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axes of the linkage mechanism are pre-positioned below ground level, creating a mechanical advantage that enables immediate rotational movement upon obstruction contact. This preliminary geometric configuration allows the mounting element to rotate instantly without waiting for the hydraulic suspension spring to react, thereby achieving fast response speed while maintaining stable support during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the obstruction and the carrier arm, providing a mechanical pathway for immediate force transmission and rotational movement. This intermediary mechanism bypasses the slow hydraulic suspension spring response, enabling fast reaction to obstructions while the hydraulic system continues to provide stable support
3Ease of operation
If the main pivot axis is located above ground level, then the mounting element can be easily accessed, but the linkage mechanism cannot provide rapid initial displacement upon obstruction impact
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axes are pre-positioned below ground level to create the optimal mechanical geometry for rapid response. This preliminary positioning ensures that upon obstruction contact, the mounting element immediately rotates about the predetermined pivot axes, achieving fast response speed. The below-ground location of pivot axes is compensated for by the linkage mechanism design, which maintains ease of access to the mounting element through its structural configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
Coupling apparatus (1) for coupling a mower (3) to a carrier arm (18) which is coupled to a rearward three-point linkage of a tractor comprises a linkage mechanism (20) which couples the mower (3) to the carrier arm (18). The linkage mechanism (20) comprises a first link member (25), a second link member (26) and a third link member (27) which are pivotally coupled between the carrier arm (18) and a mounting member (21) which rigidly carries the mower (3). The linkage mechanism (20) is configured, so that in the event of the mower (3) striking an obstruction, the mounting member (21) and in turn the mower (3) moves from an operative state with a skid plate (7) of the mower (3) engaging and riding along the ground, to a displaced state with the mounting member (21) and the mower (3) urged upwardly rearwardly with the skid plate (7) of the mower (3) spaced apart above the ground. A pair of tension springs (80) acting between the mounting member (21) and the carrier arm (18) resiliency urge the mounting member (21) and in turn the mower (3) into the operative state. The linkage mechanism (20) also defines a secondary pivot axis (97) about which the mounting member (21) and the mower (3) are tiltable.