Foldable Multi-Rank Agricultural Implement With Sequenced Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural implements with split ranks for fertilizer and seed openers are challenging to fold and unfold efficiently between operational and transport/storage configurations, complicating road transportation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A foldable multi-rank agricultural implement with sequenced and direct wings, pivotably connected to a main frame via draft links, allows for simple and efficient transition between unfolded and folded positions using a draw member that interacts with trip and bumper members to pivot the wings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If row units are split into multiple ranks with fertilizer and seed openers separated in the fore-aft direction, then mid-row band fertilizer placement is achieved, but the implement becomes very challenging to fold and unfold between operational and transport configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic folding mechanism where the tool bar is divided into multiple sections that can pivot relative to each other. The front and rear sections are connected through a pivot connection that allows the sections to rotate from a horizontal operational position to a vertical transport position, enabling the implement to transition between configurations easily
Solution Approach 2:
The tool bar is segmented into front and rear sections that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each section to be folded separately, simplifying the overall folding process and making the implement more manageable during transport while maintaining the multi-rank configuration for mid-row band fertilizer placement
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ranks with separated fertilizer and seed openers are used, then proper fertilizer placement offset from seeds is achieved, but the device complexity increases making folding challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal folding mechanism that handles both the front and rear tool bar sections through a single pivot connection system. This multi-functional mechanism simultaneously manages the folding of multiple ranks and maintains the complex multi-rank configuration, reducing overall system complexity while preserving the ability to place fertilizer and seed in separate rows with proper offset
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivot connection allows the tool bar sections to move from a fixed operational configuration to a compact transport configuration. This dynamic element simplifies the folding process by allowing smooth transitions between states without requiring complex locking or unlocking mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the multi-rank structure
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural implement (100) is disclosed. The implement (100) comprising: a main carrier (102) comprising a main frame (104) and a draw member (106) slidably coupled with the main frame for movement relative to the main frame between an extended position and a retracted position, an attachment member (150) slidably connected with the draw member (106), the attachment member being slidably movable relative to the draw member; a first sequenced wing (142) being pivotably connected with the main frame (104) such that the first sequenced wing (142) is pivotably movable relative to the main frame between folded and unfolded positions; and a first sequenced draft link (160) pivotably connected with the first sequenced wing (142) and the attachment member (150) such that: relative movement between the draw member (106) and the main frame (104) causes a folding or unfolding of the first sequenced wing (142) towards the folded position or the unfolded position, respectively. Furthermore, a method of operating such an agricultural implement (100) is disclosed.