Forward Folding Implement Wing Frames for Transport Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide agricultural implements face stability issues and complexity in transport due to high height and the need for telescoping hitches, which add material and complexity, especially when moving under low-clearance structures like bridges and utility lines.
Innovation Solution
A forward folding implement design with a tool bar frame that pivots from a lateral operating position to a forward transport position, using caster wheels and hydraulic or electric actuators to control movement, eliminating the need for telescoping mechanisms and simplifying the transition between operating and transport positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If wing frames are folded upward and inward to a compact transport position, then the implement width is reduced for transport, but the implement height increases causing stability problems and difficulty moving under utility lines and bridges
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of folding the wing frames upward and inward as in conventional designs, this patent inverts the folding direction by folding the wing frames forward and downward. The wing frames pivot about horizontal axes to move from a lateral operating position to a forward transport position, which reduces both width and height simultaneously, eliminating stability problems and clearance issues.
2Length of moving object
If telescoping hitches are used to accommodate wider implements in transport position, then the implement width capacity is increased, but the device complexity and material requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by folding the implement forward instead of requiring telescoping hitches to extend rearward. This forward folding action naturally provides the necessary clearance distance without requiring complex telescoping mechanisms, lock mechanisms, or additional hydraulic lines, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining width capacity.
3Length of moving object
If wing frames are folded rearward to reduce width, then the implement width is reduced for transport, but the distance from towing tractor increases causing stability problems during towing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of folding the wing frames rearward as in conventional designs, this patent folds them forward and downward. The forward folding position places the wing frames closer to the towing tractor, which improves towing stability by reducing the moment arm and minimizing oscillations during transport, while still achieving the necessary width reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
An implement has right and left pivotally attached tool bar frames movable from an operating position extending laterally to a transport position extending forward from the connecting pivot axis. Right and left hitch arms are pivotally attached about vertical axes at rear ends to spaced apart locations the right and left tool bar frames and extend forward and inward when the tool bar frame is in the operating position. A hitch frame is pivotally attached at right and left rear portions thereof to front ends of the hitch arms about vertical axes. When the tool bar frame is in the transport position, the rear end of the hitch frame is forward of the right and left tool bar frames, and the front end of the hitch frame, attachable to a tractor, is a desired clearance distance forward of the right and left tool bar frames.