Hollow Beam Jointing Method for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining beams, particularly in agricultural implements, face challenges in maintaining the outer profile of beams to accommodate tools and components, and struggle with handling and machining long beams, requiring improved jointing methods that provide flexibility and load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving hollow beam portions with jointing elements and wedges, where jointing elements are inserted and clamped between inner surface portions using pressure-generating connectors, allowing for the formation of longer beams while maintaining the beam's outer profile and accommodating clamps and tools along its length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If long beams are used to increase implement size, then the beam length increases, but handling and machining become difficult due to existing equipment limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is divided into multiple beam portions that are joined together using jointing elements. This segmentation allows each portion to be handled and machined by existing equipment, while the combined structure achieves the required total length for larger agricultural implements.
2Length of moving object
If beam portions are joined together to form longer beams, then the beam length increases, but the outer profile must be maintained to accommodate tools and components
Solution Approach 1:
Jointing elements are inserted into cavities within the hollow beam portions, nesting the joining mechanism inside the beam structure. This allows the external outer profile of the beam to remain uninterrupted and compatible with tools and components, while the internal jointing elements provide the necessary connection between beam portions.
3Length of moving object
If jointing methods are used to connect beam portions, then the beam length can be increased, but the load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Jointing elements are inserted into the cavities of beam portions before the beam is fully assembled. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and engagement of the jointing elements, which contributes to maintaining load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance in the final joined beam structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If welding is used to join beam portions, then the jointing process is simple, but surface treatment is compromised and components cannot be freely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
Jointing elements act as intermediary components that connect beam portions mechanically without requiring welding. This intermediary connection method preserves the surface treatment of the beam portions and allows components to be positioned freely along the beam, while still providing a simple and effective joining process.
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 method enables the formation of longer beams with enhanced load-bearing capacity and flexibility, allowing for the placement of components anywhere along the beam without restrictions, while simplifying the jointing process and reducing handling challenges.
Implementation Method 1
providing at least one wedge which is inserted between the jointing elements such that these are pressed in a direction away from each other and toward a respective first inner surface portion
Implementation Method 2
providing at least one pressure-generating connector, which presses the second inner surface portions in a direction toward each other, such that the jointing elements are clamped between the second inner surface portions
Data Source
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AI summary
This document discloses a method for joining beam portions (10a, 10b) together, short side to short side, so as to form a beam (1). The method involves providing first and second hollow beam portions (10a, 10b) which have substantially identical cross sections comprising a first pair of opposite inner surface portions (11a, 11b) and a second pair of opposite inner surface portions (12a, 12b) which are located substantially at right angles to the first pair of surface portions, providing first and second jointing elements (13a, 13b), inserting the jointing elements into the cavities of both beam portions such that each of the jointing elements bears against one of the first inner surface portions (11a, 11b), respectively, and against both of the second inner surface portions (12a, 12b), providing at least one wedge (14a, 14b) which is inserted between the jointing elements (13a, 13b) such that these are pressed in a direction away from each other and toward a respective first inner surface portion (11 a, 11b), and providing at least one pressure- generating connector (21 a1-21 a4; 21b1-21 b4), which presses the second inner surface portions (12a, 12b) in a direction toward each other, such that the jointing elements are clamped between the second inner surface portions (12a, 12b).