Folding Implement Frame Avoiding Wing Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implement wings often contact each other during transport, potentially damaging components due to the articulation of tool bars, which can cause contact between tool frames.
Innovation Solution
A fold-away frame section is rotatably coupled to the first wing tool frame, allowing it to rotate out of the plane formed by the first and second wing tool frames, creating a gap and enabling the second wing tool bar to articulate relative to the first, thereby avoiding contact between tool frames during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If tool frames are positioned directly adjacent to one another in transport position, then the implement achieves a compact profile, but articulation of tool bars causes contact between tool frames potentially damaging components
Solution Approach 1:
The fold-away frame section rotates out of the plane formed by the tool frames, transitioning from a two-dimensional arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration. This creates vertical clearance between adjacent tool frames while maintaining compact horizontal footprint, allowing articulation motion without component contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is divided into separate modular sections: the tool frames remain adjacent for compactness, while the fold-away frame section acts as an independent articulating element between them. This segmentation allows differential movement where the fold-away section provides clearance while tool frames maintain their compact positioning.
2Reliability
If a gap is established between tool frames to avoid contact, then component damage is prevented, but the implement profile becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing horizontal separation to create clearance, the fold-away frame section utilizes vertical dimension by rotating out of plane. This creates the necessary gap between tool frames through vertical clearance rather than horizontal expansion, preserving compact profile while preventing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame configuration transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated system. The fold-away frame section can rotate between different positions: retracted during transport for compactness, and extended during operation to provide clearance, allowing the system to adapt its geometry to operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a first wing tool bar and a second wing tool bar on each lateral side of the implement. The first wing tool bar and the second wing tool bar are configured to rotate from a working position to a transport position. The first wing tool bar and the second wing tool bar each include a respective tool frame configured to rotate upwardly from a working position to a transport position. In addition, the second wing tool bar is configured to articulate with respect to the first wing tool bar during transport. A fold-away frame section is rotatably coupled to the first wing tool frame and configured to rotate out of a plane formed by the first and second wing tool frames to avoid contact between the tool frames during transport.