Foldable Frame for Agricultural Machinery with Dual-Arm Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current folding mechanisms for agricultural machines are complex, costly, and lack stability, limiting working widths due to excessive transportation dimensions and rapid wear of rotating joints.
Innovation Solution
A foldable frame with two arms pivotally connected to a stationary part via symmetrically placed swivel mountings, where the first arm is positioned above the second in the working position and vice versa in transport, with additional torsional strength from inserts and torsion tubes, and a hydraulic lifting mechanism for redeployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single arm with swivel mechanisms is used for folding, then the structure is simpler, but the stability and wear resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single arm folding mechanism is segmented into two arms (first arm and second arm) that work in conjunction. Each arm has its own swivel mounting, distributing the mechanical load and improving stability while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Two arms are combined to work together as a unified folding system. The arms are positioned at different heights (first arm above second arm in working position) and both connect to the same folding part, creating a more stable support structure that reduces wear on individual components
2Productivity
If the working width is increased to exceed 6 meters, then the processing capability is improved, but the transportation dimensions exceed the 3-meter width limit
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism uses dynamic positioning of two arms that can transition between working position (arms extended horizontally for maximum working width) and transport position (arms folded upward). The swivel mountings enable smooth transitions while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism utilizes vertical dimension by positioning the first arm above the second arm in the working position. During transport, the arms are folded upward into the vertical space above the stationary part, reducing horizontal footprint while maintaining the ability to achieve large working widths when deployed
3Device complexity
If the swivel mechanisms are positioned at the same level, then the structure is more symmetric and simpler, but the stability and load distribution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel mountings are deliberately positioned asymmetrically in the vertical dimension, with the first swivel mounting above the second swivel mounting in the working position. This asymmetric arrangement creates better load distribution and static stability while the arms themselves maintain symmetric positioning relative to the machine centerline
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
The design significantly reduces transportation dimensions while increasing working width, enhancing stability and wear resistance, and simplifying production, ensuring problem-free transportability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic lifting mechanism for redeployment
Data Source
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AI summary
A folding device, especially the folding device for folding the working part of an agricultural machine with at least one stationary part (7) and at least one folding part (8) which is mounted on the stationary part (7) by means of two arms (1,2) that are joined to the stationary part (7) and folding parts (8) by four swivel mountings (3,4,5,6) so that in the working position of the folding parts (8), the first arm (1) is placed over the second arm (2) and the swivel mountings (3,4,5,6) are positioned in such a way that the swivel mounting (4) of the second arm (2) is positioned in the stationary part (7) below the level of the swivel mounting (6) of the first arm (1), and the swivel mounting (3) of the second arm (2) is in the folding part (8), located above the level of the swivel mounting (5) of the first arm (1), whereas in the transport mode, the folding parts (8) of the first arm (1) are positioned under the second arm (2) and the swivel mounting (3) of the second arm (2) is positioned in the folding part (8) above the level of the swivel mounting (5) of the first arm (1).