Single Hydraulic Cylinder for Tool Carrier Positioning and Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements with tool carrier frames struggle to efficiently transition between operating and transport positions while maintaining ground engaging tool depth and penetration, requiring complex reconfiguration and multiple hydraulic components.
Innovation Solution
A carrier control assembly with a crank arm and extendable hydraulic cylinder pivotally attached to the tool bar frame, allowing the tool carrier assembly to move from a transport to an operating orientation and maintain a working position with downward bias force using a single hydraulic cylinder, without reconfiguration of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hydraulic components and complex reconfiguration mechanisms are used to transition between operating and transport positions, then the implement can achieve reliable position changes, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single hydraulic cylinder is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the carrier frame's transition between operating and transport positions, maintains the carrier frame in the horizontal operating orientation, and provides downward bias force on the ground engaging tools. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate hydraulic components for each function, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate hydraulic control functions into a single integrated hydraulic cylinder system. The cylinder's piston rod connects to the carrier frame, and its body connects to the tool bar frame, creating a unified mechanism that handles both positioning and force application without requiring additional hydraulic components
2Device complexity
If a single hydraulic cylinder is used for all functions, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to maintain carrier frame position and provide downward force simultaneously may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single hydraulic cylinder is designed with the capability to perform multiple functions simultaneously through its mechanical connection geometry. The cylinder can maintain the carrier frame in a fixed horizontal position while also exerting downward bias force on the ground engaging tools, eliminating the need for separate components without compromising position maintenance capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder operates dynamically to adapt to different operational requirements. It can adjust its extension and retraction to maintain the carrier frame in the desired horizontal orientation while simultaneously providing variable downward force on the tools as needed during operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the carrier frame is pivotally attached to allow movement between positions, then the implement achieves versatility in operation and transport, but the structural stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier frame is designed with pivotal attachment that allows dynamic movement between operating and transport positions. The hydraulic cylinder provides active control to maintain structural stability in the operating position while enabling smooth transitions to the transport position, achieving both versatility and stability through controlled dynamics
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder exerts counteracting forces to balance the carrier frame during position transitions and maintain stability in the operating position. The downward bias force provided by the cylinder counteracts gravitational effects and maintains structural integrity during dynamic operations
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
Enables efficient movement between operating and transport positions while ensuring ground engaging tools penetrate hard ground and maintain desired depth, simplifying the implement apparatus and reducing costs by using a single hydraulic cylinder for all functions.
Implementation Method 1
an extendable hydraulic cylinder attached between the crank arm and the tool bar frame and operative to pivot the crank arm about the crank axis
Implementation Method 2
pressurized hydraulic fluid is directed into the hydraulic cylinder such that the hydraulic cylinder exerts a downward bias force on the tool carrier assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A tool carrier has a carrier frame and ground tools, and a front end of the carrier frame is connected to a wheel supported tool bar frame. A crank arm is pivotally attached to the tool bar frame about a crank axis oriented horizontally and perpendicular to an operating direction. A front end of the carrier frame is pivotally attached to the crank arm about a carrier axis parallel to the crank axis, and a hydraulic cylinder attached between the crank arm and the tool bar moves the tool carrier from an upward transport orientation to a rearward extending horizontal operating orientation, and maintains the tool carrier horizontal while moving it from a headland position above the ground to a working position where the tools penetrate the ground. When the tool carrier assembly is in the working position, the hydraulic cylinder exerts a downward bias force on the tool carrier.