Pivoting Auxiliary Tool Assembly for Agricultural Implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural implements with rigidly coupled finishing tools experience increased load and reduced tongue weight during transport, posing safety hazards and requiring complex, expensive hydraulic systems for ground-engaging wheels.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary tool assembly with a support arm and wheel configuration that pivots between a work position and a transport position, allowing the finishing tool to engage the ground at the work position and the wheel to support the weight during transport, eliminating cantilevered loads and improving tongue weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the finishing tool is rigidly coupled to the implement frame, then the finishing tool can be easily supported, but the load applied through the implement during transport significantly increases and tongue weight is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a rigid, fixed coupling to a dynamic, movable coupling system. The finishing tool assembly is made movable relative to the implement frame through a support structure that allows positioning between engaged and disengaged states. This enables the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, reducing transport load while maintaining ease of support during work operations.
2Ease of operation
If the finishing tool is rigidly coupled to the implement frame, then the finishing tool can be easily supported, but tongue weight for the implement is reduced, presenting a safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a rigid, fixed coupling to a dynamic, movable coupling system. The finishing tool assembly is made movable relative to the implement frame through a support structure that allows positioning between engaged and disengaged states. This enables the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, reducing transport load while maintaining ease of support during work operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If ground-engaging wheels are incorporated with rolling baskets, then cantilevered loading is addressed, but separate hydraulic actuators or lifting mechanisms are required, increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining the finishing tool, support arm, and wheel assembly into a single integrated movable assembly. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate hydraulic actuators for the wheel assembly, as the entire finishing tool assembly moves together with the implement frame. The integration reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining proper loading distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a support arm structure that serves multiple functions: supporting the finishing tool, providing the wheel assembly, and enabling movable coupling to the implement frame. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated hydraulic lifting mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while addressing loading distribution requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary tool assembly for an agricultural implement is configured to support a finishing tool(s) at a location at or adjacent to the aft end of the implement. The auxiliary tool assembly includes a support arm extending lengthwise between a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the support arm being pivotally coupled to a portion of the implement at or adjacent to its aft end so that the tool assembly is pivotable relative to the implement between a work position and a transport position. In addition, the finishing tool(s) is configured to be coupled to or otherwise supported relative to the ground by the support arm at a location between its proximal and distal ends. Moreover, the auxiliary tool assembly includes one or more surface-engaging wheels coupled to the distal end of the support arm.