Deformable Parallelogram Linkage for Obstacle Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural equipment hitched to motorized vehicles faces challenges in safely navigating obstacles due to the complexity of existing safety systems, which require precise and continuous control to avoid deformation or damage, and struggle with efficient retraction and return mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The equipment incorporates a deformable parallelogram with telescopic members and elastic return means, allowing the tool part to largely retract when contacting an obstacle and automatically return to its initial position, combined with a locking mechanism and horizontal articulation for precise control and reduced deformation risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformable parallelogram with telescopic members and elastic return means is used, then the equipment can automatically retract and return when contacting obstacles, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the parallelogram structure deformable through telescopic members that can dynamically adjust their length. The connecting means transition from a rigid structure to a dynamic one that can automatically retract upon obstacle contact, enabling the tool part to move backward without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return means (springs) provide self-service by automatically returning the telescopic members to their initial position after obstacle contact is interrupted. This eliminates the need for complex active control systems or powered actuators to reset the safety mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Device complexity
If existing safety systems with pivot-mounted clevis and return springs are used, then the structure is simple, but the retraction amplitude is low and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances retraction efficiency by incorporating telescopic members within the parallelogram links that can extend and retract along their longitudinal axes. This dynamic capability allows for larger retraction amplitudes compared to traditional pivot-mounted clevis systems, enabling the tool part to clear obstacles more effectively while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic members are nested within the parallelogram links, with one telescopic member contained within another. This nesting arrangement allows for compact storage of the retraction mechanism while providing sufficient retraction stroke amplitude, solving the contradiction between structural simplicity and retraction efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the operator manually controls the lateral offset of the tool part, then the system remains simple, but the operator workload increases and concentration is required to avoid obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable parallelogram with telescopic members and elastic return means provides self-service safety functionality by automatically retracting when obstacles are contacted and returning to its initial position when contact is interrupted. This passive safety mechanism eliminates the need for continuous operator attention and manual control adjustments, reducing operator workload while maintaining simple system architecture.
4Productivity
If the tool part is kept close to obstacles for precision work, then productivity improves, but the risk of deformation or damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable parallelogram with telescopic members and elastic return means acts as a beforehand cushioning mechanism. The telescopic members can compress upon obstacle contact, and the elastic return means store energy to facilitate automatic retraction. This pre-configured safety mechanism allows the tool part to operate close to obstacles with precision while providing automatic protection against deformation or damage through passive retraction capability.
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
This design enhances safety by minimizing equipment and vehicle damage, enabling precise operation near obstacles and reducing operator workload through automatic retraction and return functions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of said pivoting links consists of at least one telescopic member which has a length L at rest, with a stroke available for lengthening and/or shortening relative to said length at rest
Implementation Method 2
said telescopic member is associated with elastic return means at said length L at rest
Data Source
AI summary
The equipment (1) has connection units forming a deformable parallelogram, and including juxtaposed links (16) whose ends are mounted swivelling around vertical rotation axes on a tool portion (2) and an attachment portion (3). An offset operation unit (5) adjusts a lateral offset of the tool portion relative to the attachment portion by the links. One of the links consists of a telescopic element (15), which presents resting length provided with a lengthening and/or shortening clearance relative to the length. The element is associated with a hydraulic spring (17) along the length. The telescopic element is a fluid/hydraulic/pneumatic type jack.