Plough Blade Release Mechanism Using Segmented Levers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plough release mechanisms fail to effectively release the blade when the angle deviates from 90°, leading to excessive tension on moving parts and reduced functionality, especially when encountering obstacles like curbs and well covers, and pneumatic systems are unreliable in case of failures.
Innovation Solution
A ploughing apparatus with a blade articulation system using two separate levers and a spring member, where the position and angle of pivots adjust the releasing force, allowing the blade to move only under sufficient force, utilizing a compressible spring or pneumatic cylinder with an accumulator for controlled blade return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rigid joint and single axial joint are used in the blade holder, then the structure is simple, but the blade cannot be released when the angle deviates from 90° and excessive tension occurs on moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The single rigid joint is segmented into two separate levers (first lever and second lever) connected by a movable joint. This segmentation allows the blade holder to articulate properly when the blade angle deviates from 90°, enabling the release mechanism to function while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable joint between the two levers introduces dynamic adaptability to the system. The joint allows the levers to move relative to each other, enabling the blade holder to adjust its position and release the blade when subjected to sufficient force, such as during impacts with obstacles.
2Ease of operation
If a pneumatic cylinder is used as the spring member, then the releasing force can be controlled, but the system becomes unreliable in case of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is designed to be self-contained and self-regulating. As a mechanical spring, it automatically provides the necessary releasing force without requiring external control systems or energy sources, ensuring reliable operation even in failure conditions while maintaining controllable releasing force through its mechanical properties.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spring member thrust is increased to prevent blade movement during normal ploughing, then the blade remains stable, but excessive force is required to release the blade when hitting obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The force application is segmented through two levers with a movable joint. This segmentation creates a mechanical advantage system where the spring member's force is distributed and amplified, allowing the blade to remain stable during normal operation while requiring less force to initiate release when hitting obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-vector direction is changed by articulating the levers at specific angles. The movable joint allows the system to transition between different force vectors, enabling the spring member to provide sufficient holding force during ploughing while allowing easy release when the blade encounters obstacles.
4Device complexity
If the blade is fixed rigidly to the blade holder, then the structure is simple, but the blade cannot yield during impacts and excessive loading occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The blade attachment is changed from rigid to dynamic through the two-lever system with a movable joint. This dynamic connection allows the blade to yield and move relative to the blade holder during impacts with obstacles, preventing excessive loading and damage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
Enables controlled blade release and return with adjustable force, reducing structural loading and enhancing usability and service life by providing a clear peak force requirement for blade turning and subsequent reduced loading, allowing operation at higher speeds and improved obstacle handling.
Implementation Method 1
The return to the initial position may be effected e.g. by means of a spring member
Implementation Method 2
When the spring member is a compressible spring, its rigidity can be altered by pretensioning of the spring
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a compressible spring or pneumatic cylinder with an accumulator for controlled blade return
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A release mechanism comprising: levers (5, 7) connected in series by joints (9, 10), through which levers a force is transferred to a returning spring member (3), when said levers are moved by the force, and a blade structure (6) coupled by a joint (12), a force effective on the blade structure being transferred to the levers (5, 7), when an impact force effective on the blade structure (6) moves the blade structure (6) and the levers (5, 7) connected to it. The levers (5, 7) are connected together by a movable joint (10), and the spring member (3) is coupled to either said joint (10) or one of the levers (5, 7), or to an extension (5a) of a lever. The force caused by an impact with an obstacle is transferred by the levers (5, 7) to a returning spring member (3). The spring member (3) is arranged to return the blade structure (6) to the normal position after the impact.