Self-Propelled Agricultural Implement with Pivotable Frame Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled agricultural implements are limited by their two-lane design, which restricts maneuverability and requires multiple vehicles for different tasks, and three-wheeled designs are unsuitable for crop care due to lane width issues, leading to soil damage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled implement with three frame arms, where two arms are pivotable relative to the third, allowing adjustable track spacing and lane configuration, enabling operation in two lanes with adaptable wheel positioning for various tasks, and a control unit for speed-controlled wheel drives and arm movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-track vehicle design is used, then the vehicle can operate between crop rows, but the track width is fixed and requires multiple vehicles for different tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the frame arms pivotable relative to each other, allowing the track spacing to be dynamically adjusted during operation. The frame arms can be pivoted about vertical axes to change the distance between tracks, enabling a single vehicle to adapt to different crop row spacings rather than requiring fixed-width vehicles for each application
2Adaptability or versatility
If three fixed wheels are used, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot adapt to changing track spacing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wheel positioning dynamic by mounting wheels on pivotable frame arms. The frame arms can be rotated about vertical axes to adjust the lateral position of each wheel, thereby changing the track spacing. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the vehicle to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining a relatively simple three-wheeled structure
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle structure is segmented into separate frame arms that can be independently pivoted. Each frame arm carries a wheel and can be adjusted relative to the central body and other frame arms, allowing independent positioning of each wheel to achieve the desired track spacing configuration
3Force
If tracked undercarriages are used, then the vehicle has good traction, but the vehicle is heavy and causes considerable stress on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from the undercarriage by using separate, independently steerable wheels instead of continuous tracks. This allows the vehicle to achieve directional control and ground contact without the weight and ground stress of traditional tracked systems, while still maintaining adequate traction through controlled wheel contact with the ground
4Ease of operation
If four-wheeled or multi-wheeled vehicles are used, then the vehicle is stable, but the maneuverability is comparatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances maneuverability through dynamic steering of the frame arms and wheels. The frame arms can be pivoted independently to change the directional orientation of each wheel, allowing sharp turns and flexible navigation through crop rows. This dynamic steering capability compensates for the reduced stability that might result from having only three wheels
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a self-propelled implement for use on agricultural farmland. The implement has a supporting frame (01) and three frame arms (03), which, starting from the supporting frame (01), extended in different angular directions. At least one first frame arm is pivotable with respect to the two other frame arms. Preferably, the supporting vehicle has at least one arm drive for pivoting the first frame arm. Three wheels (09) that can be rotated on wheel axles (08) are each arranged on one of the frame arms (03) and are each driven by a dedicated wheel drive. At least two control shafts (6) are provided, via which respectively one of the wheels is articulated to the associated frame arm (03). Likewise, there are at least three control shaft drives for pivoting the respective wheel (09) about the control shaft (06) thereof. The supporting vehicle has a control unit, which activates the three wheel drives, the arm drive and the control shaft drives. The invention further relates to an implement group comprising at least two such self-propelled implements.