Hydraulic Top Link for Plough Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plough configurations for agricultural equipment require large and heavy ancillary frame structures or complex mechanisms for transitioning between use and transport configurations, which add size, weight, and maintenance complexity, and are prone to malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an elongated support and an actuator for sliding connection with the plough, allowing actuation to adjust the plough's angle relative to the ground surface, facilitating a simple and reliable transition between use and transport configurations with minimal ancillary structure and mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional or ancillary frame structures of relatively large size and/or weight are used for configuration of the plough between use and transport configurations, then the plough can be configured between configurations, but the plough adds substantial additional size and/or weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional large ancillary frame structures from the plough design. Instead of using extensive frame work for configuration, the invention extracts only the essential components needed for transitioning between use and transport configurations, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters by using a simplified support structure that can transform between configurations through controlled movement rather than relying on heavy fixed frames. The top link assembly is designed to change its spatial arrangement and orientation to achieve configuration transitions without substantial weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If relatively complex additional or ancillary mechanisms are used for configuration of the plough between use and transport configurations, then the plough can be configured between configurations, but the mechanisms are prone to malfunction or failure and/or add significantly to maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the elongated support structure, the top link assembly, and the actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, reducing interdependence and potential failure points. The support structure provides stable mounting while the actuator handles only the actuation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a more reliable actuator-based mechanism. Instead of using multiple interconnected mechanical parts that require precise alignment and are prone to wear, the invention uses an actuator (hydraulic or electric) that can directly control the top link assembly's position, significantly improving reliability and reducing maintenance needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If relatively complex additional or ancillary mechanisms are used for configuration of the plough between use and transport configurations, then the plough can be configured between configurations, but the mechanisms add significantly to device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the plough, acts as a mounting platform for the actuator, and serves as a guide for the top link assembly's movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support structure and the configuration mechanism into an integrated assembly. The elongated support and top link assembly work as a unified system where the support structure inherently guides and constrains the movement of the top link, eliminating the need for separate guiding mechanisms and reducing the number of individual parts.
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 enables efficient configuration of ploughs between use and transport configurations with reduced size, weight, and mechanical complexity, enhancing reliability and ease of maintenance while allowing adjustable ploughing angles.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator is for actuating connection with the industrial equipment, and wherein when the elongated support and the actuator are connected with the industrial equipment, actuation of the actuator can slide the industrial equipment relative to the elongated support
Data Source
AI summary
A device for configuring a plough between a use configuration and a transport configuration is provided, the device comprising an elongated support and an actuator connected with the elongated support, wherein the elongated support is for sliding connection with the plough, and the actuator is for actuating connection with the plough, and wherein when the elongated support and the actuator are connected with the plough, actuation of the actuator can slide the plough relative to the elongated support to configure the plough between the use configuration and the transport configuration. Related systems and methods are also provided.