Folding stand for an agricultural implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements face challenges in structural support during transport and storage, as existing solutions do not effectively distribute weight or minimize space when folded, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during truck travel and storage operations.
Innovation Solution
A folding stand assembly with a sliding support member, abutment member, and base plate that can be deployed and stowed away to provide weight support and minimize space, using a track system for attachment to the implement and a pivotable lift assembly with wheels for enhanced weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a folding stand is deployed to support the agricultural implement, then weight support and stability are improved, but the device occupies more space and reduces storage efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The folding stand employs a dynamic design that allows it to transition between a deployed state (providing weight support and stability during transport) and a folded state (minimizing space occupation during storage). The stand includes movable support legs that can be positioned vertically to bear the implement's weight or collapsed alongside the implement body.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding stand is divided into segmented components including multiple support legs, crossbars, and connection points that can be independently positioned or collapsed. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain stability when deployed while reducing to a compact form when folded, resolving the contradiction between support function and storage efficiency.
2Reliability
If a folding stand structure is added to the agricultural implement, then weight distribution and transport safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding stand is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both as a structural support system during transport and as an integrated part of the implement's frame during field operations. The same crossbars and connection points used in the folding stand also serve as mounting structures for other implement components, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding stand components are nested within or alongside the implement's existing frame structure when folded, utilizing available space efficiently. The support legs collapse alongside the implement body, and connection points are positioned to align with existing mounting locations, minimizing additional structural complexity.
3Force
If the folding stand is designed to fully support the implement weight, then transport capability is improved, but the attachment structure becomes more complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The folding stand employs local quality by concentrating support functions at specific high-strength connection points and crossbar locations rather than distributing weight uniformly throughout the entire structure. This allows the attachment structure to be optimized locally for weight bearing where needed while remaining lighter overall.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an agricultural implement system includes a folding stand. The folding stand includes an attachment member configured to attach the folding stand to an agricultural implement, wherein the attachment member comprises a track. The folding stand further includes a support member coupled to attachment member, wherein the support member comprises a sliding member disposed onto the track, the sliding member configured to slidably follow the track. The folding stand additionally includes an abutment member disposed on a first end of the support member and configured to abut against a portion of the agricultural implement when the folding stand is in a fully deployed position and to not abut against the portion of the agricultural implement when the folding stand in a stowaway position. The folding stand also includes a base plate disposed on a second end of the support member opposite the first end and configured to abut against a ground or a bed of a transport vehicle when the folding stand is in the fully deployed position, wherein the folding stand is configured to aid in carrying a weight of the agricultural implement when in the fully deployed position.