Pivot Clamp Mount for Narrow-Space Row Unit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting assemblies for agricultural row units are often too large and complex, limiting their use in applications with narrow space envelopes, and are typically configured for specific frame bar sizes, making them unsuitable for varied applications.
Innovation Solution
A clamp mount assembly that includes a first and second clamp member pivotally coupled, with outwardly extending flanges to secure the row unit to a frame member, allowing for adjustable mounting and reduced hardware usage, enabling easier assembly and increased clearance for narrow spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mounting assemblies are designed to accommodate various frame bar sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mount is designed with a universal clamping mechanism that can accommodate various frame bar sizes through a single device configuration. The clamp members can be adjusted to fit different frame widths, and the flange length can be modified to suit different mounting requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized mounting assemblies for different frame sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly incorporates movable and adjustable components, including the ability to position clamp members at different locations and adjust flange lengths. This dynamic adjustability allows the same mounting assembly to adapt to various frame configurations without requiring multiple fixed-design assemblies, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mounting assemblies are designed to accommodate various frame bar sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the space envelope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into separable components including clamp members, flanges, and mounting plates that can be independently adjusted or removed. This segmentation allows the assembly to be configured in a compact manner when space is limited, while still maintaining the capability to expand or reconfigure for different frame sizes, thus reducing the permanent space envelope requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members and flanges are designed to nest or fold together when not in use, creating a compact configuration that minimizes the space envelope. The adjustable components can be positioned close to the frame when not needed, allowing the mounting assembly to occupy minimal space while retaining full adaptability when deployment is required.
3Reliability
If conventional mounting assemblies use multiple hardware components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hardware functions are merged into integrated components. The clamp members incorporate both the clamping function and the mounting attachment function in single pieces. The flanges are integrated with the clamp members rather than being separate components, reducing the total number of hardware pieces while maintaining the reliability provided by multiple connection points and secure attachment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A row unit assembly may generally include a clamp mount configured to be coupled to a frame member of an agricultural implement. The clamp mount may include a first clamp member and a second clamp member pivotally coupled to the first clamp member. The first clamp member may include a first clamp wall spaced apart from a second clamp wall of the second clamp member such that the frame member is clamped between the first and second clamp walls. In addition, the second clamp member may include a flange extending outwardly relative to the second clamp wall such that the flange overlaps the frame member along at least a portion of a top side of the frame member. Moreover, the row unit assembly may include an agricultural row unit including at least one support arm pivotally coupled to the clamp mount.