Foldable Frame Cylinder Nesting for Compact Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements with foldable machine frames face challenges in achieving sufficient actuating force for folding heavy machine sections while maintaining a compact and space-efficient design, especially when folding angles exceed 90°, due to limitations in kinematics and installation space for pressure medium cylinder units.
Innovation Solution
The pressure medium cylinder unit is integrated into one of the foldable frame parts, with multiple pistons and pressure chambers arranged to provide increased actuating force, allowing for folding angles up to 180°, and a folding lever system converts axial movement into pivoting motion, optimizing space usage and force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a pressure medium cylinder unit is used to fold frame parts by more than 90°, then the transport height is reduced, but the kinematics become complex and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure medium cylinder unit is nested within the hollow frame profile, with the cylinder integrated into the frame structure. This eliminates the need for separate mounting space and simplifies the overall kinematic arrangement while achieving the required folding motion beyond 90°.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding axis is positioned above the frame part and offset from the longitudinal center axis, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that allows the frame part to fold beyond 90° without interfering with other components. This spatial arrangement simplifies the kinematics compared to conventional two-dimensional folding mechanisms.
2Length of stationary object
If a pressure medium cylinder unit is used to fold frame parts by more than 90°, then the transport height is reduced, but the installation space for the cylinder increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure medium cylinder unit is nested within the hollow frame profile, utilizing the existing structural space. The cylinder is positioned within the hollow section of the frame, eliminating the need for additional installation space while maintaining full functionality for folding the frame part beyond 90°.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure medium cylinder unit is merged with the frame structure itself, where the frame's hollow profile serves as both the structural element and the housing for the actuator. This integration eliminates separate installation space requirements and reduces the overall footprint of the folding mechanism.
3Length of stationary object
If a three-joint bow articulation is used to fold frame parts by up to 180°, then the transport height is reduced, but only part of the cylinder power is converted into torque
Solution Approach 1:
The folding axis is positioned above the frame part and offset from the longitudinal center axis, creating a moment arm that efficiently converts the linear force from the pressure medium cylinder into rotational torque. This three-dimensional arrangement ensures that the cylinder's full power is utilized for the folding motion, eliminating energy losses associated with three-joint bow articulations.
4Loss of energy
If a reversing lever is used to convert cylinder force into torque, then the power conversion efficiency is improved, but the space requirements for the cylinder arrangement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure medium cylinder unit is nested within the hollow frame profile, and the folding lever is integrated into this compact arrangement. The lever is positioned within the available space of the frame structure, allowing efficient force conversion without requiring additional installation space. The compact nested design maintains high power conversion efficiency while minimizing the footprint of the entire mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural implement, in particular in the form of an implement attachable to a tractor, with a machine frame comprising at least two frame parts that can be folded relative to each other, wherein a hydraulic cylinder unit for folding down the machine frame is provided, which is articulated to the two frame parts or to folding lever parts connected thereto. According to the invention, the hydraulic cylinder unit is at least partially integrated into the interior of one of the frame parts.