Integrated Lateral Transport System for Agricultural Mower
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated transport systems for agricultural mowing devices are costly, inefficient, and often lead to uneven weight distribution, causing excess wear and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective and efficient integrated lateral transport system for agricultural mowing devices, featuring a transport system with a pivotable subframe, lift actuators, and a hydraulic system that ensures safe and balanced transport by preventing accidental operation and ensuring proper alignment during transport deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a separate transport trailer is used to carry the mowing device, then the transport width is reduced, but the operational cost increases due to separate purchase, maintenance, and transport of the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is integrated into the mowing device itself, merging the transport function with the mowing device structure. The transport subframe is part of the mowing device, eliminating the need for a separate transport trailer, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining reduced transport width capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mowing device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mowing device during field operations and as a self-contained transport unit during transportation. The transport subframe with wheels allows the mowing device to be moved independently, combining transport and mowing functions in one system
2Ease of operation
If traditional integrated transport systems are used with multiple actuators, then the mowing device can be transported, but the overall weight of the mower package increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transport function is extracted as a separate subframe assembly with its own wheels and actuation mechanism, rather than integrating multiple heavy actuators into the main mowing device structure. This allows the transport system to be a lighter, dedicated component
Solution Approach 2:
A transport actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the hydraulic system and the transport subframe, providing efficient actuation with reduced weight compared to multiple actuators. The single transport actuator controls the deployment and retraction of the transport subframe
3Ease of operation
If traditional transport systems are used, then the mowing device can be transported, but the weight distribution becomes uneven causing excess wear on the system
Solution Approach 1:
The transport subframe is designed with asymmetric features including a single transport wheel positioned to optimize weight distribution. The wheel is located at a specific distance from the tongue connection point to balance the weight of the cutter bar and other components, preventing excessive wear on any single point
Solution Approach 2:
The lift actuators are activated before the transport actuator to raise the trail frame and position the weight onto the transport wheel. This preliminary lifting action ensures proper weight distribution is established before transport deployment begins, preventing uneven wear during operation
4Adaptability or versatility
If the transport system is attached to the trail frame, then the transport system moves with the trail frame during field maneuvers, but the added weight introduces large inertia causing operator discomfort and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented as a separate subframe assembly that can be deployed independently rather than being permanently attached to the trail frame. During field operations, the transport subframe remains retracted and separate from the trail frame movements, reducing the inertia affecting operator control during field maneuvers
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 proposed transport system reduces operational costs, minimizes wear, and ensures even weight distribution, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the mowing device during transport.
Implementation Method 1
a transport actuator operably connected in between the tongue and the transport frame and configured for rotating the transport frame
Implementation Method 2
a first lift actuator operably connected in between the trail frame and the first trail-frame wheel and a second lift actuator operably connected in between the trail frame and the second trail-frame wheel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An agricultural mowing device (120) that includes a tongue (122) configured for connecting to an agricultural vehicle (110), a trail frame (124), first and second trail-frame wheels (128), first and second lift actuators (134) for lifting the trail frame (124), a trail-frame actuating mechanism (136) operably connected in between the tongue (122) and the trail frame (124) and configured for rotating the trail frame (124), and a transport system (200). The transport system (200) includes a transport frame (202), first and second transport wheels (206), and a transport actuating mechanism (208) rotatably connecting the transport frame (202) to the tongue (122). The transport actuating mechanism (208) includes a transport actuator (220) operably connected in between the tongue (122) and the transport frame (202) and configured for rotating the transport frame (202).