Retractable Step Plate for Agricultural Hopper Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing agricultural devices, such as precision seed drills, have bulky and cumbersome access devices for storage hoppers, which increase weight and cost, and are not easily adaptable to different spacing configurations between working tools.
Innovation Solution
A compact access device consisting of a plate forming a step that extends between two neighboring working tools in its open position, allowing access to the storage hopper while remaining within the implement's footprint, and automatically folding when the spacing is reduced to avoid obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a walkway with step and handrail is provided to access the storage hopper, then safe access to the storage hopper is enabled, but the access device becomes bulky and increases the weight and cost of the agricultural device
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential element for safe access - a single step plate - while removing non-essential elements like the handrail and extensive walkway structure. This provides the minimum necessary safety feature without the bulk and weight of a complete traditional access device.
Solution Approach 2:
The access device uses a simple, lightweight step plate that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than a permanent, heavy structural access system. The step is a simple component that provides its function without requiring complex supporting structures.
2Ease of operation
If a walkway extends along the storage hopper to provide access, then access is enabled, but the access device extends beyond the implement footprint and becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The step plate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned as needed for access and then retracted or folded away when not in use. This dynamic positioning allows the access function to be provided without permanently extending the implement's footprint.
3Ease of operation
If the step extends beyond the overall width of the drill in the open position, then access to the storage hopper is facilitated, but the step must be folded up and the gangway and handrail must extend all along the storage hopper
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the gangway and handrail from the access device, keeping only the essential step plate. This extraction of non-essential components dramatically simplifies the overall device while maintaining the core safety function of providing step access to the storage hopper.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The apparatus (1) has six working tools (4) spread on a chassis (2) following a distance defined and adjustable between a minimum distance and a maximum distance. A collecting container (9) is arranged on the chassis, and an access device (12) is used to access the container. The access device has a plate forming a step with a width, and extends between an open position that allows accessing to the container and a folded position. The access device remains in a face of the apparatus.