Folding Signaling Ramp With Pivot-Slide Arms for Debris Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines like plows face issues with signaling elements being exposed to debris, leading to damage during plowing, and existing retractable ramps do not provide sufficient clearance or a clear folding trajectory to avoid machine components.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible signaling ramp with a central support and articulated arms that pivot and slide, allowing for a compact folded configuration that maintains clearance from the ground and avoids machine components, featuring a combined movement mechanism and locking system for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the ramp is designed with vertically folded retractable elements to achieve a compact appearance, then the visual compactness is improved, but the height increases and clearance from the ground is reduced, exposing signaling elements to debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the folding trajectory from a vertical path to a horizontal path. The signaling ramp extends horizontally perpendicular to the machine's longitudinal axis in the deployed position, then folds horizontally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the folded position, rather than folding vertically. This dimensional change allows the ramp to achieve compactness while maintaining sufficient ground clearance, as the horizontal folding path clears the vertical space needed for debris protection.
2Device complexity
If the ramp uses a simple pivoting mechanism for folding, then the device complexity is reduced, but the folding trajectory intersects with machine components, causing obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single pivoting motion into two distinct sequential movements: first a pivoting movement to position the ramp at an intermediate angle, then a sliding movement along a guide rail to complete the folding. This segmentation of the folding mechanism allows the ramp to navigate around machine components by changing its trajectory, avoiding intersection with other parts while maintaining reasonable mechanical complexity through the use of guide rails and sequential actuators.
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
The solution provides enhanced protection for signaling elements by maintaining a compact height and clear trajectory during folding, preventing damage from debris and ensuring safe operation and road compliance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one joint consisting of a pivot joint and a sliding joint allowing to ensure a combined movement of the arm successively in pivoting, by means of the pivot joint, from a deployed position of the arm
Implementation Method 2
then, in translation, by means of the sliding joint, in the axial direction of said arm, from the intermediate folded position to a final folded position of the arm
Implementation Method 3
means for locking the arm(s) in its deployed position and in its final folded position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a folding signaling ramp for agricultural machinery, such as a plow, said ramp extending longitudinally along an axis, called ramp axis (R) and having two opposite lateral faces, namely a rear signaling face (S1, S1', S2) defining a reference plane and a front face intended to ensure the fixing of the ramp on the machine.The ramp includes a central support (2) having at least one connecting end (20, 21), at least one arm (3, 3') articulated on the connecting end (20, 21) by means of a joint consisting of a pivot joint (5, 300, 310, 300', 310') and a sliding joint (5, 300, 310, 300', 310') allowing a combined movement of the arm in pivoting, by means of the pivot joint, from a deployed position to an intermediate folded position on the rear face perpendicular to the reference plane and then, in axial translation, by means of the sliding joint from said intermediate folded position to a final folded position on the front face and vice versa, and locking means allowing the arm or each arm to be locked in its deployed position and in its final folded position. It also relates to an agricultural machine, such as a plow, equipped with such a ramp.