Agricultural Implement Steering Axis Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural attachments face challenges in maintaining stability and centering during transport and headland operations, particularly on uneven terrain or slopes, due to inadequate fixation mechanisms that can lead to unwanted deflection and instability.
Innovation Solution
An automatic centering and locking device that adjusts the lower link articulation points against a centering contour using an actuator, which engages when the attachment is raised into the transport or headland position, providing a preload force to maintain stability and release mobility during working mode, thus ensuring reliable centering without play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lower link mounting points are made movable to enable steering during operation, then maneuverability is improved, but stability during transport and headland maneuvers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lower link mounting points are designed to dynamically change their state between movable and fixed. During operation, they are movable to allow steering; during transport and headland maneuvers, they are fixed to provide stability. This is achieved through a fixation device that can lock the mounting points in position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the lower link mounting points relative to the mounting frame. By adjusting the position of these mounting points on the steering axis, the system transitions between a centered stable configuration for transport and a steerable configuration for operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lower link mounting points are fixed to prevent sway during transport, then stability is improved, but maneuverability during operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device allows the system to dynamically switch between fixed and movable states. During transport, the device locks the mounting points to prevent sway; during operation, the device releases to allow steering movements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a centering and locking device is added to stabilize the implement during transport, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centering and locking device is designed to automatically center the mounting frame on the steering axis and lock into place without requiring manual intervention. The device uses the geometry of the mounting frame and steering axis to self-center, and the fixation device self-locks when the mounting points engage with the steering axis.
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 ensures the attachment remains securely centered and stable during transport and headland operations, even under challenging conditions, while allowing mobility during working mode, reducing the risk of operator error and enhancing operational comfort.
Implementation Method 1
providing a preload force to maintain stability
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an agricultural implement, in particular a mounted plow, with a mounting frame comprising lower and upper link attachment points for three-point linkage to a tractor, wherein the lower link attachment points are pivotably mounted on the mounting frame body about an upright steering axis for steering the mounting frame relative to the tractor during operation, and a centering and/or locking device is provided for centering and/or locking the lower link attachment points with respect to the steering axis during transport and/or headland maneuvers, wherein the centering and/or locking device has an actuator for adjusting the lower link attachment points against a centering contour of the mounting frame and is designed to operate automatically depending on the lifting of the implement into the transport and/or headland position such that the lower link attachment points move against the centering contour when lifted and are released during operation.