Cutting Machine Actuator Linkage Reducing Stroke Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines for plants face issues with large size, mass, and cost due to lengthy actuators required for sufficient pivoting of the working member between positions, and complex constructions with many joints that are prone to failures and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A cutting machine design where the connecting rod is connected directly to the arm via a second articulation distinct from the first, allowing the second actuator to simultaneously move the arm, connecting rod, and first actuator relative to the frame, reducing the stroke length needed for the second actuator and using a compact displacement device with fewer joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the connecting rod is connected to the arm via a second articulation distinct from the first, then the stroke length of the second actuator is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional articulation points
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement device is segmented into two independent articulation points (first and second articulations) on the arm, allowing the connecting rod to be connected at a different location than the frame. This segmentation enables the second actuator to have a reduced stroke length while still achieving the required pivoting range through the coordinated action of both articulations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lengthy actuators are used to guarantee sufficient pivoting of the working member, then the pivoting range is sufficient, but the size, mass and cost of the displacement device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from a single-degree-of-freedom system (one articulation point) to a two-degree-of-freedom system (two articulation points). By adding the second articulation at a different location on the arm, the system achieves the required pivoting range through combined movements at both articulations, allowing each actuator to have a shorter stroke and reducing the overall mass.
3Length of stationary object
If an articulated parallelogram construction is used to translate the connecting rod vertically, then the ground clearance is improved, but the device complexity and number of joints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of vertical translation from the complex articulated parallelogram mechanism and achieves it through a simpler arrangement: the connecting rod connected to the arm at a second articulation point distinct from the first. This extraction maintains the ground clearance benefit while eliminating the complexity of the parallelogram construction with its multiple joints.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cutting machine (1) having a chassis (2) comprising a frame (5) and a hitch bracket (3) designed to be mounted on a three-point hitch of a tractor (4), and having an arm (8) connected directly to the frame (5) by a first joint (9) and extending, at least while operational, sideways relative to the frame (5), the arm (8) supporting a working member (10) and being capable, by means of a movement system (26), of being pivoted relative to the frame (5) between a working position, a manoeuvring position and a transport position, the movement system (26) comprising a connecting rod (27) and at least one first cylinder (28) pivotably connected between the frame (5) and the connecting rod (27) and a second cylinder (29) pivotably connected to the arm (8) and connected to the connecting rod (27) by means of a pivot (30). According to the invention, the connecting rod (27) is connected directly to the arm (8) by a second joint (31), and the second joint (31) is separate from the first joint (9).