Land Roller Wing Actuation via Rotating Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing land rollers face difficulties in transportation due to their size and weight, and previous attempts to convert them into operating positions using hydraulic rams have been unsatisfactory, often locking the wings in place, making it hard to maneuver and potentially causing wear on the actuators.
Innovation Solution
A land roller design featuring a center section with pivotally connected wing sections and actuators that rotate the wing sections into an operating position without being directly connected, allowing for easier conversion between operating and transport positions, enabling freer articulation during transport and reducing wear on actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hydraulic rams are used to lock the wings in the transport position, then the land roller is stable during transport, but it becomes difficult to maneuver and causes wear on the actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the actuator connection dynamic rather than static. The actuator is connected to the wing section through a pivotable linkage that allows the connection to change state: engaged when force is applied (providing stability) and disengaged when force is removed (allowing free maneuverability). This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to transition between stable and maneuverable states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of actuator-wing connection from fixed to variable. By using a pivotable linkage with engagement/disengagement capability, the connection parameter changes based on whether the actuator is actively applying force. When engaged, the wing is held in position; when disengaged, the wing can move freely, thus resolving the stability versus maneuverability contradiction through parameter variation.
2Productivity
If the land roller is designed with a wide operating position to cover more ground, then productivity increases, but space requirements for transport increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wing sections movable between two extreme positions: a wide operating position perpendicular to the tow direction that maximizes ground coverage, and a narrow transport position parallel to the tow direction that minimizes transport space. The pivotable connection allows smooth transition between these positions, resolving the contradiction between productivity and transport requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the space contradiction by utilizing angular orientation as an additional dimension. The wing sections can be oriented at different angles relative to the tow direction, effectively using the angular dimension to switch between wide coverage (perpendicular orientation) and compact transport (parallel orientation) configurations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wing sections are locked in place during transport, then stability is improved, but articulation freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by creating a conditional connection between the actuator and wing section. The pivotable linkage allows the system to be either constrained (when engaged for stability) or free (when disengaged for articulation). This dynamic connection resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to exhibit different behavioral characteristics based on operational requirements.
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 conversion between operating and transport positions without locking the wings, allowing for easier maneuverability and reduced wear on actuators, improving transportation efficiency and reducing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuator operative to rotate a first rotating member that pivots the first wing section and rotate a second rotating member that pivots the second wing section
Data Source
AI summary
A land roller is provided the can be transformed between a transport position and an operating position by at least one actuator. The land roller can have a center section with a center roller, a hitch member connected to the center section, a first wing section pivotally connected at a first end to the center section and having a first wing roller, a second wing section pivotally connected at a first end to the center section and having a second wing roller. The at least one actuator can rotate a first rotating member that pivots the first wing section and rotate a second rotating member that pivots the second wing section to transform the land roller from the transport position into the operating position. The at least one actuator is unconnected to the first rotating member and the second rotating member.