Piston Lock Linkage for Compact Multi-Cylinder Header Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cylinder lock mechanisms for agricultural equipment are cumbersome, time-consuming, and lack sufficient strength to hold large modern headers and feeders, and often require significant space for operation.
Innovation Solution
A piston lock system with interconnected piston locks that move in unison via a control link, allowing simultaneous locking and unlocking without interfering with each other, and utilizing a four-bar linkage to maintain a compact arrangement, with optional features like handles, retainers, and lost motion connections for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple cylinder locks are connected to each other to be simultaneously moved into place, then the locking operation becomes more efficient, but a large clear space is required adjacent to the cylinder assemblies allowing the lock members to rotate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the lock members from rotating in a plane perpendicular to the cylinder assemblies (requiring lateral clear space) to moving along the longitudinal axis of the cylinders. This dimensional change allows the locks to be simultaneously positioned without requiring adjacent clear space, resolving the contradiction between operational efficiency and space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the locking mechanism into multiple individual lock members (first and second lock members) that can be independently positioned along the cylinder assemblies. Each lock member can be simultaneously moved into place by separate operators or mechanisms, improving productivity while maintaining a compact footprint
2Reliability
If a rigid rod lock is placed over the piston to prevent retraction, then the feeder is locked in the raised position, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and time-consuming to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs lock members that can dynamically move between locked and unlocked positions along the cylinder assemblies. The locks are designed to be easily positioned and secured, allowing quick operation while maintaining secure locking. The dynamic positioning capability enables operators to rapidly engage or disengage the locks without cumbersome manual manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The control link serves as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates the movement of multiple lock members simultaneously. This mediator ensures that all locks are positioned correctly and securely engaged, providing reliable locking while simplifying the operation through coordinated motion rather than independent manual positioning of each lock
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A piston lock system having first and second cylinders (200), first and second pistons (206) telescopically connected to the cylinders (200), and first and second piston locks (216). The piston locks (216) are movable in a transverse direction within a planar region between the cylinders (200), between unlocked positions in which the piston locks (216) are not located between the free ends of the cylinders (200) and the free ends of the piston (206), and locked positions in which the piston locks (216) are located between the free cylinder ends and the free piston ends. A control link (224) is operatively connected to the piston locks (216), and configured to simultaneously move the piston locks (216) between the locked and unlocked positions.