Rockshaft Transverse Frame Alignment for Tillage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural tillage implement designs face issues with weight distribution and residue flow when the rockshaft is mounted above or below the frame, leading to instability and congestion.
Innovation Solution
A rockshaft is positioned transverse and in vertical alignment with the fore-to-aft frame members, connected by lift wheels and an actuator via a linkage system, eliminating the need for long pedestal arms and maintaining ground clearance while allowing for efficient residue flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the rockshaft is positioned above the frame, then ground clearance is maintained, but weight distribution becomes inconsistent and the machine becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The rockshaft is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (above or below the frame) to a horizontal arrangement (transverse to the fore-to-aft frame members). This dimensional change allows the rockshaft to be integrated within the frame structure rather than extending above it, maintaining ground clearance through the lift wheel assembly while achieving balanced weight distribution across the machine.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rockshaft is positioned below the frame, then weight distribution improves, but residue flow becomes congested and the rotational arc increases
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning the rockshaft from a vertical position (below the frame) to a horizontal position (transverse to frame members), the design eliminates the bottleneck effect that caused residue congestion. The horizontal placement creates sufficient vertical clearance for residue to flow freely under the frame while maintaining improved weight distribution through proper structural integration.
3Length of stationary object
If the rockshaft is positioned below the frame, then structure is closer to ground surface, but the rotational arc and hydraulic cylinder range of motion increase
Solution Approach 1:
Repositioning the rockshaft horizontally within the frame structure allows the lift wheel assembly to achieve the necessary elevation travel distance through a more compact rotational mechanism. The hydraulic cylinders connect to the horizontally-oriented rockshaft, enabling effective lift and transport wheel elevation through a reduced rotational arc compared to vertical rockshaft configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement has a main frame including fore-to-aft and cross frame members. Main lift and transport wheels are connected to rockshaft pedestal arms that are pivotally connected to the main frame by way of a rockshaft held by the main frame. The rockshaft is held spanning a distance between upper and lower fore-to-aft frame member components.