Folding Implement Frame Weight Transfer and Oil Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implement frames face challenges in efficiently transitioning between field use and transport positions, requiring a system that allows for compact folding while maintaining stability and minimizing the load on wheel assemblies, and managing hydraulic oil exchange efficiently to avoid excessive oil demand from the tractor.
Innovation Solution
The implement frame features a seven-section configuration in the field use position that folds into a nine-section configuration for transport, utilizing locking hinge assemblies and hydraulic systems for weight transfer and oil management, including accumulators to regulate oil flow and reduce the load on the tractor's hydraulic system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the implement frame uses a seven-section configuration in field use position, then field coverage area is maximized, but the frame cannot be folded into a compact transport position
Solution Approach 1:
The implement frame is divided into multiple sections (main section, inner wings, middle wings, rigid wings, outer wings) that can be folded relative to each other. Each section is connected through pivot points and locking hinge assemblies, allowing the frame to be segmented into a compact configuration for transport while maintaining full field coverage capability when deployed.
2Volume of moving object
If the frame is folded into a compact transport position, then transport dimension is reduced, but stability during folding is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system performs preliminary weight transfer actions before the folding operation begins. The hydraulic cylinders transfer weight from the inner wings to the main section in advance, preparing the frame for stable folding. This preliminary weight transfer ensures that when the folding action occurs, the frame maintains stability throughout the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system acts as an intermediary between the weight transfer requirement and the folding mechanism. The hydraulic cylinders mediate the weight transfer process, controlling the timing and force application to ensure stable folding. The hydraulic system coordinates the weight transfer with the folding action, preventing instability during the transition.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic cylinders are extended to unfold the frame, then field use position is achieved, but excessive oil exchange is demanded from the tractor
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system recovers and reuses hydraulic oil during the unfolding operation. Instead of discarding oil to the tractor reservoir, the system recirculates oil through the hydraulic cylinders, minimizing the net oil exchange with the tractor. This reduces the hydraulic oil demand on the tractor while maintaining full unfolding capability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If weight is transferred from inner wings to main section, then stability during folding is enhanced, but load on main section increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight transfer system dynamically adjusts the load distribution during the folding operation. The hydraulic cylinders control the timing and magnitude of weight transfer, concentrating force on the main section only when needed for stability during folding. Once folding is complete, the load distribution returns to the normal operational configuration, avoiding continuous increased loading.
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 design enables a wider field coverage without increasing transport dimensions, enhances stability during folding, and minimizes the oil exchange with the tractor, ensuring efficient operation and compatibility with various prime movers.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing locking hinge assemblies and hydraulic systems for weight transfer
Implementation Method 2
including accumulators to regulate oil flow and reduce the load on the tractor's hydraulic system
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.