Foldable Frame Actuation Slot Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements with foldable frame members often experience tipping and shock during transition between transport and working positions due to limited pivot axis design, leading to complex and costly hinge assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A simple and cost-efficient actuating assembly using a hinge with an elongated slot and a connecting pin, allowing controlled rotation and vertical movement of the foldable frame member, preventing tipping by blocking translatory motion during expansion and enabling smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pivotal connection provides a certain degree of freedom to allow vertical movement of the foldable frame member, then the foldable frame member can follow the ground surface during operation, but the foldable frame member tends to tip over from one side to the other, generating shock on associated components
Solution Approach 1:
The slot and connecting pin assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuating force and the foldable frame member. The slot guides the connecting pin's movement path, allowing controlled vertical movement while preventing uncontrolled tipping. This intermediary structure mediates between the need for movement freedom and the need to prevent harmful shocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot geometry is designed to provide beforehand cushioning by allowing the connecting pin to move gradually along the slot path during the tipping transition. This pre-planned movement path cushions the transition and prevents sudden shocks to components by distributing the movement over a controlled path rather than allowing direct tipping.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex hinge assembly is designed to prevent tipping over of the foldable frame member, then shock absorption is improved, but the construction becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting pin serves multiple functions: it connects the foldable frame member to the actuating assembly, allows vertical movement through the slot, prevents lateral tipping by constraining pin movement within the slot, and transmits actuating force. This multi-functional design achieves shock absorption and tipping prevention without requiring a complex hinge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of movement freedom by using a slot with specific geometric parameters rather than a simple hinge. The slot's orientation, length, and position are optimized to provide the necessary vertical movement while constraining lateral movement, achieving the desired functionality through parameter optimization rather than increased complexity.
3Reliability
If additional means for absorbing shock are provided, then component durability is improved, but the construction becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The slot geometry is designed to provide beforehand cushioning by allowing the connecting pin to move gradually along the slot path during the tipping transition. This pre-planned movement path cushions the transition and prevents sudden shocks to components, improving durability without adding separate shock-absorbing devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural implement (2) comprises a first frame member (10) and a second frame member (12) pivotally connected to each other and an actuating assembly (22) configured to rotate the second frame member (12). The actuating assembly (22) comprises a first link (26) pivotally connected to the first frame member (10), a second link (28) pivotally connected to the second frame member (12), and a third link (30) attached to an actuator. Two of the first, second, and third links (26, 28, 30) are pivotally connected by a connecting pin (40), which is received in a slot (48) formed in the third one of said links. The actuating assembly (22) is configured to prevent the pin (40) from moving along the slot (48) and to allow rotation of the second link (28) relative to the third link (30), when the second frame member (12) is arranged between a retracted position and an expanded position, and to allow the pin (40) to move along the slot (48), when the second frame member (12) is arranged in the expanded position.