Folding Implement Frame with Hydraulic Weight Transfer and Accumulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implement frames face challenges in efficiently transitioning between field use and transport positions, requiring a compact folding mechanism to minimize transport dimensions while maintaining stability and reducing oil consumption from the tractor hydraulic system.
Innovation Solution
The implement frame features a locking hinge assembly and hydraulic weight transfer system, allowing the frame to fold from a seven-section configuration in the field use position to a nine-section configuration in the transport position, with hydraulic cylinders and accumulators managing oil flow to maintain stability and reduce oil exchange with the tractor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is designed to maintain a seven-section configuration for field use, then working width and stability are improved, but transport dimensions and storage space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple sections (main section, inner wings, middle wings, rigid wings, outer wings) that can be independently folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the frame to maintain its full seven-section stable configuration during field operations while enabling compact folding during transport, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and transport dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates dynamic folding mechanisms with hydraulic cylinders and locking hinge assemblies that allow the frame to transition between a stable extended configuration for field use and a compact folded configuration for transport. The locking hinge assembly provides a stable locked position during operation while allowing controlled folding during transport, enabling the frame to adapt its structure based on operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic cylinders are used to fold and unfold the frame sections, then ease of operation is improved, but oil consumption from the tractor hydraulic system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system recovers and reuses hydraulic oil during frame folding operations. When frame sections are folded, hydraulic oil is returned to the tractor's hydraulic system through controlled valve openings, minimizing oil loss. The system is designed to maintain adequate oil levels in the tractor reservoir by recovering oil that would otherwise be lost, thus reducing the frequency of oil top-ups while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame employs hydraulic cylinders actuated by the tractor's hydraulic system to provide controlled folding and unfolding of frame sections. The hydraulic system, combined with controlled valve openings and oil recovery mechanisms, enables easy operation while minimizing oil consumption. The hydraulic accumulators store oil for reuse during folding operations, further reducing net oil consumption from the tractor system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is folded to reduce transport dimensions, then compatibility with various tractors is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently folded, with each section having its own locking hinge assembly and hydraulic cylinder. This modular segmentation enables the frame to be folded into a compact configuration for transport while maintaining relative simplicity in each individual folding mechanism, thus achieving tractor compatibility without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism is designed to be self-contained with each section having its own locking hinge assembly and hydraulic cylinder. The system uses the tractor's hydraulic system to actuate the folding cylinders, and the locking hinge assemblies automatically lock in position when engaged. This self-service design reduces the need for complex external control systems while enabling reliable folding and locking functions.
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
This solution enables a larger working width in the field with significantly reduced transport dimensions, improving operational efficiency and compatibility with various tractors by minimizing the change in tractor hydraulic oil levels during frame extension and retraction.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic cylinder (306) is provided to extend and retract to raise and lower the main section of the frame (30)
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic cylinders and accumulators managing oil flow to maintain stability and reduce oil exchange with the tractor
Data Source
AI summary
A folding implement frame having seven sections in a use position and nine sections when folded. The frame design allows a frame having a width of greater than 27 meters to be folded into a transport position having a width of less than eight meters and a height of less than six meters. The hydraulic system transfers weight to the center frame section during folding and unfolding to enhance stability. The hydraulic system uses accumulators to minimize the amount of oil reduction in the tractor reservoir resulting from extension of the hydraulic cylinders of the implement. Implement raise and lower cycle times are minimized by a helper cylinder to lift the frame main section when the entire implement weight is on the main section and allowing a smaller cylinder to lift the frame main section in the use position for shorter cycle times to raise and lower the implement.