Modular Tool Carrier Profiles for Fast Agricultural Tool Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural tool carriers require the entire tool holder to be detached and repositioned for modular arrangement or exchange of tools, lacking the ability to individually replace or reconfigure tool groups without repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A tool carrier system with intersecting carrier profiles featuring positive and force-locked connections, using locking elements and clamping mechanisms to securely attach and align tools or tool groups, allowing modular arrangement and exchange without repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire tool holder is detached and repositioned for tool exchange, then tools can be replaced, but the process is time-consuming and requires repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is divided into multiple detachable carrier profiles that can be independently exchanged. Each carrier profile can be detached and replaced separately, eliminating the need to reposition the entire tool holder and reducing tool replacement time.
Solution Approach 2:
Tool holders are nested within the carrier profiles, allowing the carrier profiles to be detached and exchanged while the tool holders remain in place or are quickly reattached, minimizing repositioning requirements and exchange time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual tools are replaced on the tool holder, then tool exchange is possible, but modular arrangement of different tools is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier profiles are segmented into standardized modular units with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation enables different tool groups to be arranged in various modular configurations while maintaining simple, standardized connections between profiles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If carrier profiles are detachably arranged for modular exchange, then flexibility is improved, but connection stability and alignment precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements feature asymmetric geometries with specific engagement directions and locking orientations. This asymmetry ensures that carrier profiles can only be connected in the correct orientation, guaranteeing precise alignment while maintaining detachability for flexible exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier profiles are pre-configured with integrated connection elements and alignment features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that when profiles are detached and reconnected, they automatically align precisely without requiring additional adjustment, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling flexible exchange.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular tool carrier (1) for combining or arranging several agricultural tools (2) is proposed, wherein the tool carrier (1) has at least a first and a second carrier profile (4, 5) for arranging one or more tools (2) or suitable tool holders (3) which, with matching recesses 4 and projections, enable unambiguous and secure assembly and interchangeability.