Dual-Pivot Tool Bar Hinge for Agricultural Implement Contour Following
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implement tool bar systems face limitations in following field contours due to close row unit spacing, which restricts wing travel and leads to contact between adjacent row units, preventing optimal seed deposition and crop yield.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tool bar pivot hinge assembly with two pivot points and actuatable cylinders allows for vertical and perpendicular positioning, enabling the tool bar to extend and retract, thereby maintaining even row unit spacing and conforming to ground contours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If row units are spaced closely to increase crop yield, then productivity is improved, but the wing travel range is limited causing row units to contact each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tool bar system movable and adjustable through a two-pivot hinge assembly. The first pivot point allows vertical movement while the second pivot point enables perpendicular adjustment, creating a dynamic system that can adapt to varying field contours and maintain optimal row unit spacing throughout the travel range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wing travel range is increased to follow field contours, then adaptability is improved, but row units may contact each other reducing manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tool bar connection into two distinct pivot points rather than a single rigid connection. The first pivot point handles vertical motion while the second pivot point manages perpendicular adjustment, dividing the complex motion control into separate functional segments that work together to maintain spacing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tool bar and wing support. This intermediate structure with its dual-pivot design mediates the relationship between wing travel and row unit spacing, allowing the system to achieve both adaptability and precision through its mechanical configuration.
3Device complexity
If a single pivot point is used for tool bar connection, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain even row unit spacing during movement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static single-pivot connection to a dynamic dual-pivot hinge assembly. This dynamic structure allows the tool bar to maintain even row unit spacing during vertical and perpendicular movements by distributing the motion control across two pivot points that work in coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement system includes a tow bar configured to couple to a hitch assembly. The agricultural implement system also includes a tool bar pivot hinge assembly comprising two pivot points. The agricultural implement system additionally includes a first tool bar member mechanically coupled to a second tool bar member via the tool bar pivot hinge assembly; the first tool bar member extending transversely from the tow bar, wherein the tool bar pivot hinge assembly provides for an axis of rotation of the second tool bar member about the first tool bar member and additionally provides for an extension of the second tool bar member away from the first tool bar member.