Foldable Tillage Implement Hydraulic Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tillage implements become increasingly difficult to manage as they widen, making it challenging to convert between operating and transport configurations efficiently, often requiring excessive time and operator intervention, and may necessitate separate vehicles for transport on public roads.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates foldable wing sections, a hydraulic system that coordinates the folding and unfolding of main and auxiliary frames, and draft linkage assemblies with pivoting swing arms to transition between configurations while maintaining manageable dimensions, allowing for efficient reconfiguration without operator exit from the cab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the agricultural tillage implement is made wider to perform multiple functions, then the productivity and functionality are improved, but the transport size and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The implement is divided into multiple independently foldable sections (main shank frame, wing sections, auxiliary implements) that can be folded separately. This segmentation allows the wide implement to be broken down into manageable segments for transport while maintaining full functionality when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The implement transitions from a static wide configuration during operation to a dynamic folded configuration for transport. Hydraulic cylinders enable the structure to change its geometry dynamically, allowing the same implement to optimize for both productivity and transport ease
2Productivity
If the agricultural tillage implement is made wider to perform multiple functions, then the productivity is improved, but the time required for configuration conversion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is pre-configured with multiple circuits and control valves that automatically sequence the folding operation. When the operator activates the folding command, the system already has the necessary hydraulic pathways and control logic in place to execute the complex multi-section folding sequence efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic cylinders are integrated throughout the structure to power the folding and unfolding of various sections. The hydraulic system provides high-force actuation that can move the heavy wide sections quickly, and the fluid power system allows for smooth, controlled motion that reduces the time needed for configuration transitions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the agricultural tillage implement is made wider to perform multiple functions, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implement structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the working frame during operation and the transport structure when folded. The same hydraulic cylinders that fold the sections also provide lifting and positioning functions during operation, reducing the need for separate dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The main shank frame, wing sections, and auxiliary implements are merged into a single integrated folding system. Rather than separate folding mechanisms for each component, they are combined into a coordinated hydraulic system that manages all folding operations through a unified control architecture
4Productivity
If the agricultural tillage implement is made wider to perform multiple functions, then the productivity is improved, but the need for separate transport vehicles arises
Solution Approach 1:
The implement is divided into multiple independently foldable sections that can be collapsed into a compact configuration. This segmentation allows the wide implement to be reduced to a narrow transport profile that fits within standard road width constraints, eliminating the need for escort vehicles or special permits
Solution Approach 2:
The implement transitions from a two-dimensional wide profile during operation to a three-dimensional compact folded configuration for transport. By folding sections vertically and horizontally, the implement reduces its footprint in the horizontal dimension while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural tillage implement has a main frame section with a telescoping pull hitch tube and a tool bar. A left wing section and a right wing section are pivotally coupled with the main frame section. At least one wing implement is pivotally coupled with each wing section. A hydraulic system has a left wing hydraulic subsystem for actuating the left wing implements and a right wing hydraulic subsystem for actuating the right wing implements. The hydraulic system has at least one hydraulic flow divider and combiner between the left hydraulic circuit and the right hydraulic circuit that functions to coordinate the motion of the left wing implements and the right wing implements.