Reversible Plough Inversion Valve for Gravity Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounted reversible ploughs face issues with the center of gravity impeding rotation and potential ground strikes during 180° frame rotation, and existing solutions like mechanical limiters and exposed actuation rods are prone to damage and mechanical play.
Innovation Solution
A system using an interception valve actuated by the relative angular position of the articulation arm, protected within the articulation arm and controlled via a cam profile and feeler, ensures consistent angle maintenance during frame rotation and adjusts fluid supply to the linearization actuator, eliminating external exposure and mechanical play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the working width is increased, then the ploughing capacity is improved, but the center of gravity of the rotating portion shifts and impedes the completion of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The linearization actuator is activated before the inversion operation to pre-adjust the frame position and counterbalance the shifting center of gravity. This preliminary action ensures that the frame is properly positioned to accommodate the changed working width, allowing rotation to complete smoothly without obstruction from the shifted center of gravity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the linearization parameter (frame position relative to inversion axis) based on the working width setting. When working width changes, the linearization actuator modifies the frame's angular position to maintain optimal rotation characteristics, thereby resolving the contradiction between increased ploughing capacity and rotation completion.
2Length of moving object
If mechanical limiters are used to limit the travel of the linearization actuator, then the travel is limited, but pressure peaks occur in the hydraulic actuation system
Solution Approach 1:
An interception valve is introduced as an intermediary device between the hydraulic pump and the linearization actuator. This valve progressively limits the travel of the actuator by controlling fluid flow, thereby avoiding the sudden pressure peaks that occur with rigid mechanical limiters while still achieving the desired travel limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydraulic interception valve to control the linearization actuator's travel. The valve modulates the hydraulic fluid flow to the actuator, providing a smooth, progressive limitation of travel that prevents pressure shocks and peaks in the hydraulic system, unlike mechanical stop approaches.
3Measurement precision
If the rod connected to the fulcrum is used to actuate the interception valve, then the linearization can be measured, but the rod is exposed to accidental knocks and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The interception valve and its actuation mechanism are nested within the inversion device structure rather than being externally mounted on exposed rods. The valve is housed inside the inversion device, protected from external impacts, while still being able to sense and respond to the frame's angular position through internal mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The valuation mechanism is relocated from the external rod (one-dimensional linear exposure) to the internal structure of the inversion device (three-dimensional protected space). This spatial repositioning removes the vulnerable rod from exposure to external knocks while maintaining the measurement and control functions through internal geometric relationships.
4Ease of operation
If lever assemblies are used for valve actuation, then the valve can be controlled, but mechanical play occurs and requires frequent adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable lever assemblies with multiple connection points are removed from the system. Instead, the patent uses a direct cam-follower mechanism where the cam profile on the inversion device directly actuates the interception valve through a simple follower. This extraction of complex lever linkages eliminates the accumulation of mechanical play that occurs at multiple joint interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical lever assembly system is replaced with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam profile provides direct, positive engagement with the follower, which then actuates the valve. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple lever connections and their associated play, providing more reliable and maintenance-free operation.
5Device complexity
If the valve and actuation lever are mounted externally, then the system is simple, but foreign bodies can compromise operation
Solution Approach 1:
The interception valve and its actuation components are nested within the protected interior space of the inversion device. This housing provides a physical barrier against foreign bodies such as rocks and timbers while the valve remains functional through internal mechanical connections to the frame position sensing mechanism.
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
This solution maintains a constant angle between the articulation arm and rotation axis, prevents damage from external factors, and adjusts for mechanical play, ensuring durable operation and correct kinematic functioning across varying configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an inversion group with hydraulic actuation which is provided for the rotation of the frame of the plough through 180° about the inversion axis
Implementation Method 2
a linearization actuator with hydraulic actuation, the travel of which is limited
Implementation Method 3
an interception valve for the flow of pressurized fluid which acts on the linearization actuator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A mounted reversible plough includes an attachment member for attachment to a tractor, an inversion device which is hinged to the attachment member about an inversion axis, an inversion actuator between the attachment member and the inversion device and a carrier frame. The frame is secured to the inversion device by means of an articulation arm and a linearization actuator of the frame itself. The frame carries a double series of ploughing elements which are alternately operative in accordance with the position of the inversion device about the inversion axis. Furthermore, the frame includes an adjustment actuator of the working width of the ploughing elements in order to vary the working width between consecutive ploughing elements. The articulation arm is hinged to the frame at a first end thereof about a linearization axis of the frame and it is hinged to the inversion device at a second opposite end thereof about an articulation axis. The linearization actuator is actuated by a pressurized fluid, the flow of which can be intercepted by means of a valve in order to limit the linearization of the frame which is controlled by the linearization actuator when the frame is actuated so as to rotate about the inversion axis. The valve is actuated in accordance with the relative angular position of the articulation arm with respect to the inversion axis.