Oscillating Frame Coupling for Power-Operated Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling systems for power-operated machines fail to adapt to short undulations and lateral slope variations, leading to alignment issues and potential jamming, especially when operating on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device featuring an oscillating frame detachably connected to a hitch assembly with a movable connection means, allowing the working plane of the power-operated machine to remain parallel to the ground, independent of the engine's wheel or track plane, through a dual-axis oscillation mechanism and a return mechanism to maintain constant cutting height and prevent jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coupling systems are used to connect power-operated machines to engines, then the machines can be transported and powered by the engine, but the machines are forced to follow alignment variations of the engine and cannot adapt to short undulations and lateral slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs an oscillating frame that can dynamically adjust its orientation relative to the engine. The frame is connected to the engine via a hitch assembly allowing rotational movement, enabling the frame to adapt to ground undulations and lateral slopes independently of the engine's alignment variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional segments: the hitch assembly for engine connection, the oscillating frame for adaptive positioning, and the working means support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the frame able to oscillate to maintain working plane parallelism while the hitch remains connected to the engine.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power-operated machine follows engine alignment variations, then the coupling system remains simple, but the machine cannot adapt to short undulations affecting only the working surface or wheel resting plane
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating frame provides dynamic adaptation by allowing the working plane to maintain parallelism with the ground independently of engine orientation. The frame can oscillate to compensate for short undulations and lateral slopes, ensuring reliable operation on uneven terrain without requiring complex active control systems.
3Ease of operation
If conventional coupling systems are used on steep or short undulations, then the structure remains simple, but the machine may experience lateral tilting and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating frame dynamically responds to terrain variations by allowing controlled movement relative to the engine. This prevents lateral tilting and jamming by enabling the frame to adapt to steep or short undulations while maintaining stable operation of the working means.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating frame acts as an intermediary between the engine and the working means. It absorbs and compensates for alignment variations and terrain irregularities, preventing these disturbances from being transmitted to the working means and causing jamming or lateral tilting.
4Manufacturing precision
If the working plane must remain parallel to the ground on uneven terrain, then cutting height consistency is improved, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating frame provides passive dynamic adjustment to maintain the working plane parallel to the ground. The natural oscillation capability of the frame, combined with gravity and terrain interaction, achieves cutting height consistency without requiring complex active control mechanisms or additional actuators.
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 coupling device enables power-operated machines to adapt to short undulations and lateral slopes without following engine alignment, preventing jamming and maintaining consistent cutting height, while allowing operation on varied terrain without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
said first portion being rotatably connected to said second portion about a first oscillation axis that is substantially parallel to the advancement direction of said power-operated machine
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device, particularly for power-operated machines for agricultural use or the like, includes an oscillating frame which is detachably connected to a hitch assembly of an engine and a movable connection for associating with the oscillating frame the working means of a power-operated machine. The oscillating frame and the movable connecting means are configured to maintain, during use, the working plane of the power-operated machine substantially parallel to the ground, independently of the plane of arrangement of the wheels or of the tracks of the engine.