Motorized Locking Mechanism for Agricultural Implement Folding Frame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural attachments face challenges in securely folding frame parts for transport while maintaining ease of operation and safety, as current locking mechanisms can be cumbersome and prone to unintentional unfolding, especially when requiring complex measures or additional power connections.
Innovation Solution
A motorized locking mechanism with a separate actuation signal, utilizing a pressure medium cylinder with synchronizing capabilities, allows for easy and convenient operation from the operator's standpoint, ensuring the folding frame part remains securely locked in the transport position without complex hydraulic circuits or additional power connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical lock (bolt or pawl) is used to secure the folding frame part in transport position, then the folding frame part is reliably fixed and prevented from unintentional release, but the handling becomes cumbersome requiring driver to climb down and manually remove/insert the pin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical lock system with a motorized locking mechanism that uses a motor to actuate the locking bolt. This allows the locking action to be performed automatically from the driver's seat without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system (control unit with actuator) between the driver and the locking mechanism. The control unit receives signals from the driver and automatically actuates the locking bolt through the motor, eliminating the need for the driver to manually handle the locking pin while ensuring reliable locking.
2Ease of operation
If the folding drive is designed to hold the folding frame part in transport position through self-locking or pressure medium channel shutdown, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional unfolding increases due to accidental actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit monitors the position and state of the folding frame part and the locking bolt. The system only allows locking action when the folding frame part is properly positioned in transport position, preventing unintentional unfolding while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary verification that the folding frame part is correctly positioned in transport position before allowing the locking bolt to engage. This preliminary action ensures that the locking mechanism only activates under correct conditions, preventing unintentional unfolding while maintaining operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If an actuating cord is used to pull the locking pin from the driver's cab, then ease of operation is improved, but the system becomes cumbersome and dirt can enter the cabin along the cord
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the actuating cord system with a motorized actuator controlled by the control unit. The motorized system eliminates the need for physical cords extending into the cabin, reducing complexity while maintaining remote actuation capability and preventing dirt entry.
4Ease of operation
If additional power connections are added to enable motorized locking, then ease of operation and reliability are improved, but the complexity of the attachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the motorized locking mechanism to utilize existing power connections and control systems already present in the attachment or tractor. The control unit integrates with existing hydraulic or electrical systems, allowing the motorized lock to share power and control resources rather than requiring separate dedicated power connections, thus minimizing added complexity.
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 provides a reliable and safe locking mechanism that prevents unintentional unfolding, allowing for easy operation from the driver's seat, even in older attachments, without requiring additional power connections, thus enhancing handling and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A motorized locking mechanism with a separate actuation signal, utilizing a pressure medium cylinder with synchronizing capabilities
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural implement for mounting on a tractor, comprising a machine frame supporting at least one working unit and having at least one folding frame section which can be folded from a working position to a transport position by means of a folding drive, wherein a locking mechanism is provided for locking the folding frame section in said transport position. According to the invention, an unlocking actuator is provided for externally powered unlocking of the transport position lock, wherein the unlocking actuator and the folding drive can each be manually operated by means of separate control units.