Movable Carriage Agricultural Implement for Wide Working Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements, such as towed rollers and presses, face limitations in maximum working width due to physical constraints like frame folding for transportation and the need for flexibility to follow land contours, which restricts their operational efficiency and width.
Innovation Solution
The design allows frames to be mounted at the distal end of the drawbar, enabling a shorter drawbar length and allowing the carriage to move forward, with transport wheels on the frames supporting the implement in both working and transport configurations, reducing stress on the drawbar and enabling wider operation without increasing drawbar length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the drawbar is made longer to accommodate wider frames at the distal end, then the working width can be increased, but the maneuverability and transportation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage is made movable along the drawbar rather than fixed, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its configuration. In working mode, the carriage positions frames at the distal end for maximum width; in transportation mode, the carriage moves to position frames for compactness and maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The implement is divided into separable components: the drawbar, the movable carriage, and the frames. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reconfigured based on operational requirements
2Length of moving object
If the frames are folded for transportation to reduce width, then the transportation capability is improved, but the structural complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure incorporates movable elements that can transition between extended working configuration and folded transportation configuration. The hydraulic rams enable dynamic adjustment of frame position and orientation without permanent structural modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The frames serve multiple functions: they support the working tools during operation, provide structural rigidity, and can be folded to enable transportation. The same structural elements are used for both working and transportation purposes
3Length of moving object
If the drawbar length is limited for transportation, then the maneuverability is improved, but the maximum working width is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the drawbar in a dynamic way. The carriage moves along the drawbar's length to position frames at the distal end for working mode, then repositions them for compact configuration in transportation mode, effectively using drawbar length without being constrained by it
4Area of moving object
If the frames are positioned at the distal end of the drawbar for wider operation, then the working width is increased, but the stress on the drawbar during transportation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable carriage allows the system to dynamically reposition frames along the drawbar. During transportation, the carriage moves to position frames in a configuration that minimizes drawbar stress, while during working operations, frames are positioned at the distal end for maximum working width
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural implement comprising a drawbar having a towing hitch or multipoint linkage at a front end thereof and a carriage having tool carrying frames pivotally mounted at their proximal ends to the carriage, the frames in an use working configuration extending to opposite sides of the carriage, substantially orthogonal to the drawbar, the frames being arranged to be folded inwards to a transport configuration where their proximal ends are located forward of their distal ends which extend towards the rear of the implement, wherein the carriage is arranged to move forwards and backwards along the drawbar so that, in the transport configuration, the carriage can be positioned towards the front of the drawbar with the frames folded along the sides of the drawbar and in the working configuration the carriage and frames can be positioned towards the rear of the drawbar.