Rear Folding Toolbar Implement with Center Ball Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide agricultural implements face challenges in transporting safely on public roads due to excessive height in upward folding configurations, and rear folding configurations complicate towing of agricultural product carts.
Innovation Solution
A rear folding toolbar implement apparatus with wings that pivot and lock into a side-by-side transport position, using a center ball joint and hydraulic actuators to reduce height and allow towing of carts close to the rear, featuring a two-stage hydraulic cylinder for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the wings are folded upward in transport position, then the implement can be compacted for transport, but the height becomes excessive for safe road travel
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of folding the wings upward as in conventional designs, this patent inverts the approach by folding the wings rearward to a trailing position. The wing frames pivot about horizontal axes from an extended lateral position to a trailing position behind the center section, effectively reducing transport height while maintaining implement width capability.
2Length of stationary object
If the wings are folded rearward for transport, then transport height is reduced, but the linkage arrangement becomes complex and maneuverability is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The implement is divided into distinct modular sections: a center section and multiple wing sections (inner wings and outer wings). Each wing section is further segmented into a wing frame and a forewing frame that can pivot independently. This segmentation allows each component to be simplified and reconfigured independently, reducing overall linkage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing frames are made dynamically configurable through pivot joints that allow transition between extended lateral position for field operations and trailing position for transport. The forewing frames can pivot relative to the wing frames, providing dynamic adaptability that simplifies the static linkage requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lateral tool bars are used for cultivation, then ground engaging capability is improved, but the distance from front to rear of frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending tool bars only in the lateral dimension, this patent utilizes the vertical dimension by allowing the forewing frames to pivot upward to a raised position. This creates a three-dimensional configuration where tool bars can be positioned at different elevations, maintaining ground engaging capability while reducing the horizontal footprint of the frame.
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 safe and efficient transportation of wide implements in a narrow width, maintaining maneuverability and reducing the complexity of linkage arrangements for parts manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
a forewing actuator mounted on the wing frame and operative to pivot the forewing frame from a raised position, where the forewing frame extends upward from the wing frame with the forewing wheel above the ground, to a lowered position where the forewing frame extends forward from the wing frame, and the forewing wheel supports the forewing frame for movement along the ground
Data Source
AI summary
Each wing of a rear folding implement has a wing frame supported on rear wheels for movement along the ground, and a forewing frame and wheel pivotally attached to the wing frame. A center ball joint pivotally connects right and left inner wings and a center wheel assembly supports the center ball joint. The wings extend laterally and the forewing frames are in a lowered position supported on their wheels when in the operating position. To move the wings into a transport position, the implement is towed forward and the wings pivot about the center ball joint to trail rearward and the forewing frames are moved upward to narrow the implement for transport. An air seeder cart hitch is rearward of and near the center ball joint in the operating position, and when the wings trail rearward the cart hitch is near rear ends of the trailing wings.