Agricultural Distributor Linkage Axial Force Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributor linkages for agricultural crop protection sprayers face significant multiaxial stress due to the introduction of force from return cylinders, leading to a higher risk of damage and increased material and production costs to mitigate this risk.
Innovation Solution
The distributor linkage design features a resetting cylinder with its longitudinal axis aligned with the central axis of a force-absorbing strut, allowing force introduction in a straight line, reducing multiaxial stress and incorporating a joint arrangement that deflects the outer linkage section without excessive stress, with a return cylinder acting as a spring element to counteract swinging out from the working position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a return cylinder is added to enable the outer linkage section to return to center position, then the reliability is improved, but the outer linkage section is subjected to multi-axial stress which increases the risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
A force-absorbing strut is introduced as an intermediary element between the return cylinder and the outer linkage section. The strut absorbs and directs the forces generated by the return cylinder, preventing multi-axial stress from being transmitted to the outer linkage section. This mediator protects the linkage section while maintaining the return-to-center functionality.
2Strength
If the outer linkage section is made more robust to withstand multi-axial stress, then the strength is improved, but the material costs and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The force-absorbing strut serves as a dedicated force transmission element that protects the outer linkage section from multi-axial stress. By introducing this intermediary component, the linkage section can be designed with standard, cost-effective materials and manufacturing processes while the strut handles the complex force transmission requirements.
3Strength
If the longitudinal axis of the return cylinder is aligned with the central axis of the force-absorbing strut, then the stress on the outer linkage section is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return cylinder and force-absorbing strut are arranged in series along aligned longitudinal axes, creating a direct force transmission path. This alignment ensures that forces act along the same axis, preventing multi-axial stress. The equipotential arrangement simplifies the force transmission mechanism while maintaining structural integrity.
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 significantly reduces the risk of damage to the outer linkage section, allowing for a material-saving and cost-effective construction while ensuring the linkage automatically returns to the working position after collisions, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The return cylinder can, for example, act as a spring element
Implementation Method 2
or be designed as a hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a distribution linkage (10) for an agricultural spreading machine, comprising several linkage sections (12, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b) that can be pivoted relative to one another, a joint arrangement (24a, 24b) which is arranged between two linkage sections (16a, 16b, 18a, 18b) and is configured to allow a pivoting movement of an outer linkage section (18a, 18b) about an upright axis, and a return mechanism (38a, 38b) which counteracts a pivoting of the outer linkage section (18a, 18b) from a working position, wherein the return mechanism (38a, 38b) has a return cylinder (40a, 40b) whose longitudinal axis (42a, 42b) is substantially aligned with the central axis (28a, 28b) a force-bearing strut (26a, 26b) of the outer linkage section (18a, 18b) which extends substantially transversely to the direction of travel (F) in the working position.