Pivoting Flail Mower Mount for Uneven Terrain
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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 cutting and potential damage, and existing solutions like shocks and loose attachments are inconsistent, costly, and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A mounting frame and assembly that allows the implement to pivot around a longitudinal axis, with a spring assembly to bias the implement back to a level orientation, ensuring consistent height maintenance on varying terrain without the need for loose attachments or additional costly components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the implement is rigidly attached to the tractor, then the attachment is secure and safe, but the implement cannot adapt to uneven terrain and maintains inconsistent operational height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid attachment system into a dynamic one that allows controlled movement. The mounting assembly includes a pivot mechanism that enables the implement to rotate relative to the tractor frame, allowing it to adapt to terrain variations while maintaining secure attachment through gravitational force and friction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shocks or springs are added to allow vertical movement, then the implement can handle uneven terrain, but the device complexity, cost, and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex shock absorption and spring mechanisms from the attachment system and replaces them with a simpler pivot-based mechanism. By removing these unnecessary components and relying on basic mechanical principles of rotation and gravity, the system achieves terrain adaptability without increasing complexity or maintenance requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the attachment is intentionally loosened to allow play, then the implement can move vertically, but the attachment becomes unsafe and may cause failure or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a controlled dynamic system where the implement can move vertically through a defined range of motion via the pivot mechanism, but remains securely attached within this range. The system provides adaptability through controlled movement while eliminating safety risks by maintaining positive mechanical engagement throughout the operational range.
4Device complexity
If the implement is maintained in a level configuration on sloped terrain, then the attachment is simple, but the cut height becomes uneven and vegetation is cut too short on the high side or left too long on the low side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mounting assembly that allows the implement to pivot and tilt relative to the tractor frame. This enables the implement to maintain a consistent operational angle relative to the ground surface on sloped terrain, ensuring uniform cut height across the entire working width while keeping the attachment mechanism simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a secure and safe attachment system that maintains a consistent cut height on uneven terrain, reducing maintenance and operational costs while enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
with a spring assembly to bias the implement back to a level orientation
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.