Pivotal Mounting Assembly for Flail Mower Terrain Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tractor-mounted implement attachment systems fail to maintain a consistent operational height on uneven or sloped terrain, leading to uneven cuts and potential damage to the terrain.
Innovation Solution
A mounting frame and assembly that allows for pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis, ensuring proper operational height on uneven terrain, while providing a secure and safe attachment to the tractor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If wheels and skids are used to track the ground surface, then the implement can maintain proper operational height on flat surfaces, but the implement bounces and moves on uneven or sloped terrain causing uneven cuts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by allowing the implement to pivot about a longitudinal pivot axis, transforming the rigid fixed-position mounting into a dynamic system that can adapt its orientation in response to terrain variations. This enables the implement to maintain consistent operational height by rotating to follow the ground contour rather than bouncing on uneven surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the implement by enabling rotation about the longitudinal pivot axis. This parameter change allows the implement to adjust its angle relative to the ground surface, maintaining proper operational height on sloped and uneven terrain where a fixed orientation would cause inconsistent cut height.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shocks and springs are added to allow vertical movement, then some terrain adaptation is possible, but the system becomes more complex and expensive with increased maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex shock and spring suspension system and replaces it with a simpler pivot mechanism. By removing the disturbing complexity of multiple moving parts, springs, and dampers, the design achieves terrain adaptation through a single pivot point, reducing maintenance while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing vertical movement through complex suspension systems, the patent inverts the approach by enabling rotational movement about a longitudinal axis. This alternative method achieves terrain following capability without requiring vertical suspension mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the attachment is loosened to allow vertical movement, then terrain adaptation improves, but safety risks increase due to potential attachment failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a controlled dynamic system where the implement can move and adapt to terrain while remaining securely attached through the pivot mechanism. This eliminates the need to loosen attachments, as the pivot provides both movement capability and secure connection, preventing attachment failure risks.
4Device complexity
If a fixed level configuration is maintained on sloped terrain, then the implement structure remains simple, but uneven cuts occur with vegetation too short on the high side and too long on the low side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a single degree of freedom (rotation about the longitudinal pivot axis) that allows the implement to adapt its orientation to sloped terrain while maintaining a relatively simple attachment structure. This dynamic adjustment capability achieves uniform cut height without requiring complex multi-axis control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the implement by enabling rotation about the longitudinal pivot axis. This single parameter change is sufficient to maintain consistent operational height on sloped terrain, achieving precision without the need for multiple control parameters or complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for attaching a forward-mounted implement that may allow pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis to better maintain proper operational height when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Further provided, the attachment mechanism of the present disclosure may allow for a secure and safe attachment to an associated tractor or other similar vehicle while simultaneously providing for a reduced production cost and less maintenance requirements.