Reversible Plow Frame Pivoting Control for Reduced Turning Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversible plows with adjustable cutting widths face challenges in efficiently pivoting during the turning process, especially when the plow frame is inclined, leading to high stress on linkage and bearing structures and complex steering mechanisms, requiring frequent adjustments of mechanical stops for different cutting widths.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic or pressure-actuated pivoting mechanism that locks the pivoting actuator in the desired lifting position, using a detection device and shut-off valve to control the pivoting actuator, allowing for easy adjustment of the pivoting angle independently of cutting width settings, thereby simplifying the pivoting process and reducing mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the plow frame is inclined to the turning axis to achieve larger working width, then the cutting width is improved, but the turning moment and stress on linkage structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plow frame is made dynamically adjustable in its inclination angle relative to the turning axis through a pivoting mechanism. The frame can pivot about a pivoting axis transverse to the turning axis, allowing the inclination angle to be changed during operation. This enables the system to adapt between a larger inclination angle for increased cutting width and a smaller inclination angle for reduced turning moment and stress during turning operations.
2Strength
If the plow frame is pivoted into a turning position with reduced transverse overhang to reduce stress, then the stress on linkage structure is reduced, but the turning radius and space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plow frame employs a dynamic pivoting mechanism that allows real-time adjustment of the frame's position relative to the turning axis. During turning operations, the frame can be pivoted to reduce transverse overhang and minimize the turning radius. During transport or when stationary, the frame can be positioned to optimize space utilization. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between reducing stress and minimizing turning space.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical stops are used to limit pivoting actuator position for different cutting widths, then the pivoting position is controlled, but the device complexity increases due to frequent stop adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stop system with a hydraulic control system. Instead of using adjustable mechanical stops to limit the pivoting actuator's position, the system uses a hydraulic cylinder with controllable piston position. The control unit electronically controls the hydraulic cylinder's extension and retraction, eliminating the need for mechanical stops and their frequent manual adjustments. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining precise pivoting position control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the pivoting actuator stroke is increased to cover different cutting widths, then the adaptability to different cutting widths is improved, but the actuator size and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large-stroke pivoting actuator, the patent employs a smaller-stroke pivoting actuator combined with a pivoting frame mechanism. The actuator only needs to cover a limited stroke range to pivot the plow frame between different inclination angles. The actual positioning across different cutting widths is achieved through the coordinated action of the pivoting mechanism and the turning mechanism, which together provide the full range of motion. This divides the required motion into two independent, smaller-magnitude movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the motion required for adjusting to different cutting widths into two independent components: (1) pivoting motion of the plow frame relative to the turning frame, controlled by the pivoting actuator, and (2) turning motion of the entire plow assembly relative to the tractor, controlled by the turning actuator. This segmentation allows each actuator to be smaller and simpler, while the combined system achieves the full adaptability to different cutting widths.
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 enables easy and robust pivoting of the plow frame into the desired turning position, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and minimizing mechanical stress, while allowing for efficient operation across various cutting width settings without the need for complex hydraulic control.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic or pressure-actuated pivoting mechanism that locks the pivoting actuator in the desired lifting position
Implementation Method 2
using a detection device and shut-off valve to control the pivoting actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a mounted reversible plough with a mounting frame for attachment to a tractor, a plough frame which carries two ploughshare rows and is rotatable about a horizontal turning axis, wherein the ploughshare rows are adjustable in their cutting width by means of a cutting width actuator, and the plough frame is mounted on a reversing frame which is pivotably mounted on the mounting frame about the said horizontal turning axis, pivotable about a pivoting axis transverse to the turning axis, and can be pivoted into a turning position with reduced lateral projection for the turning process by means of a pressure-medium actuated pivoting actuator, wherein the pivoting actuator can be controlled by a pivot angle control for different cutting widths into different stroke positions to achieve the desired turning position.According to the invention, the swivel angle control comprises a detection device for detecting the swivel position of the plow frame relative to the turning frame with respect to the swivel axis and a shut-off valve for shutting off the pressure medium circuit adjusting the swivel actuator in order to move to various turning and/or transport positions of the swivel actuator depending on the detected swivel position of the plow frame.