Pivoting Ramp and Ladder Access Assembly for Planter Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Farmers face difficulties accessing bulk storage tanks on agricultural planting implements for monitoring, cleaning, and refilling, as existing solutions are cumbersome and not easily adaptable to various implements.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable access assembly that includes a ramp and ladder system, allowing entry to hatch covers of bulk storage tanks from the ground or a raised truck bed, which can be easily operated and does not interfere with the implement's operation in the field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed access structure is provided to reach storage tanks, then access convenience is improved, but it interferes with implement operation in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The access assembly is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned as needed and then moved out of the way during field operations. The ramp and ladder can be tilted or repositioned to provide access when needed, then adjusted to clear the working area of the planting implement.
2Ease of operation
If access structures are added to reach storage tanks, then access capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access structure is divided into separate functional components: a ramp for approaching the tank and a ladder for vertical access. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall structure compared to a monolithic access system.
Solution Approach 2:
The access assembly is designed to be adaptable to different storage tank positions and implement configurations. The movable design allows the same basic structure to serve multiple functions: providing access during maintenance/refilling while clearing the way during field operations.
3Productivity
If bulk storage tanks are mounted on the implement, then productivity is improved, but access difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp and ladder assembly serves as an intermediary structure that bridges the gap between ground level and the elevated storage tanks. This mediator allows operators to safely and easily access tanks that would otherwise be difficult to reach, enabling maintenance and refilling operations without requiring specialized equipment or difficult manual access.
Data Source
AI summary
An access assembly to approach a first storage tank and an adjacent second storage tank of a planting implement is provided. The first and second storage tanks are mounted on a wheeled frame assembly for movement in a direction of travel. The access assembly includes a ramp having a first end opposite a second end aligned in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the direction of travel of the implement. The first end of the ramp is pivotally attached about a first horizontal axis relative to the wheeled frame assembly. The access assembly further includes a ladder pivotally coupled about a second horizontal axis at the second end of the ramp. The ladder and the ramp pivot together about the first horizontal axis at the first end of the ramp between a raised and a lowered position.