Mounted Implement Raising Linkage for Ground Clearance in Turns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural machines with variable-length connecting rods in a raised position face risks of damaging the ground and machine due to insufficient distance from the ground, especially when turning, and require complex constructions with many parts, cylinders, and joints.

Innovation Solution

Implementing at least one steering cylinder fixed to a connecting rod and the tool, or articulated with both the connecting rod and the tool, to maintain a fixed length greater than the minimum, ensuring the connecting rods are at their minimum length without reducing the pivot angle, thus maintaining working quality and increasing the distance from the ground.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the minimum length of the connecting rods is increased to raise the implement in the raised position, then the distance between the implement and the ground is increased, but the implement's pivot angle around the pivot axis in the working position is reduced, thus reducing the minimum turning radius and working quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveminimum length of connecting rodsVSAvoidpivot angle and turning radius
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The solution divides the lifting function into two independent components: the connecting rods (which determine pivot angle when at minimum length) and the steering cylinders (which provide additional lift when extended). This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other - the connecting rods maintain short length for full pivot angle, while the steering cylinders provide the necessary ground clearance in raised position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the minimum length of the connecting rods is increased to prevent ground damage, then the risk of damaging the ground and machine is reduced, but the quality of work during tight turns deteriorates due to reduced pivot angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk of ground and machine damageVSAvoidworking quality during turns
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The steering cylinders are designed to dynamically adjust their length based on the machine's position. In the raised position, they extend to provide additional lift and prevent ground contact. In the working position, they retract to allow the connecting rods to achieve their full pivot angle range. This dynamic adjustment ensures both ground protection and optimal working quality are maintained across different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If a complex construction with multiple parts, cylinders, and joints is used to raise the implement, then the distance from the ground is increased, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance from groundVSAvoidnumber of parts, cylinders, and joints
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering cylinders serve multiple functions: they provide lift in the raised position to prevent ground contact, and they retract in the working position to allow full pivot angle movement. By making these existing cylinders multi-functional rather than adding separate lifting mechanisms, the solution increases ground clearance without proportionally increasing device complexity or cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4652826A1Raising system for mounted agricultural machines
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 KUHN SA
  • EP4652826A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4652826A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4652826A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mounted agricultural machine capable of occupying a working position and a raised position, comprising a frame for connection to a tractor, a tool mounted pivoting relative to the frame about a pivot axis and a transverse axis, two connecting rods of variable length, each forming, at its minimum length, a stop limiting the pivoting of the tool about the pivot axis, the machine being arranged so that the connecting rods tend to retract in its raised position, and at least one steering cylinder connected at one end to a point between the tool and the frame, and at the other end to a point on either the tool or the frame. In the raised position, the at least one steering cylinder is maintained at a fixed length greater than its minimum length.