Rotatable Transport Axle for Forward Folding Planters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large agricultural implements, such as forward folding planters, face challenges in transporting and maneuvering due to extended wheelbases, which increase the weight on tractors and complicate the shifting of the center of gravity, leading to difficulties in navigating narrow spaces and increased wear on components.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable transport axle that can rotate approximately 150°, operated by a single cylinder and linkage, adjusts the wheelbase length by 1.5 times the wheel arm length, allowing for a shorter wheelbase during transport and accommodating the shift of the center of gravity, thereby improving maneuverability and reducing the turning radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the wheelbase is extended to accommodate longer wings and maintain frame height, then the planter can accommodate longer wings and maintain proper planting depth, but the turning radius increases and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transport axle is made rotatable to dynamically change the wheelbase length. During transport, the axle rotates to a first position that shortens the wheelbase for improved maneuverability. During planting operations, the axle rotates to a second position that extends the wheelbase to accommodate longer wings and maintain proper frame height for uniform planting depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelbase adjustment function is segmented into distinct positions (first position for transport, second position for planting). The rotatable axle mechanism allows the system to segment the operational states, with each position optimized for specific functions - short wheelbase for transport maneuverability and long wheelbase for planting stability and wing accommodation.
2Ease of operation
If a sliding transport axle is used to shorten the wheelbase, then the turning radius decreases and maneuverability improves, but the complexity and weight of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sliding the axle linearly to adjust wheelbase length, the invention inverts the approach by rotating the axle between fixed positions. This rotational mechanism replaces the complex sliding arrangement, reducing the number of moving parts and simplifying the overall structure while achieving the same wheelbase adjustment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a dynamic rotational mechanism rather than a static sliding arrangement. The rotatable axle can be positioned at different angles to achieve the desired wheelbase length, providing maneuverability benefits without requiring complex sliding guides, bearings, or locking mechanisms associated with linear adjustment systems.
3Length of moving object
If a sliding transport axle mechanism is implemented, then the wheelbase can be adjusted, but wear and stress on the main frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the sliding mechanism with a rotational mechanism. Instead of the axle sliding along the main frame (which creates friction and wear), the axle rotates on a fixed pivot point. This inversion of the adjustment mechanism eliminates sliding friction and reduces stress concentration points on the main frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding function is extracted from the main frame structure. Rather than having the axle slide within guides attached to the main frame (which creates wear interfaces), the rotation mechanism is positioned to minimize contact and stress on the main frame, extracting the wear-generating sliding action from the primary structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If the transport wheels are positioned between the row units, then the frame height is maintained for uniform planting depth, but the wheelbase length increases and transport maneuverability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The axle position is made dynamic rather than fixed. During planting operations, the axle rotates to position the wheels between the row units, maintaining proper frame height for uniform planting depth. During transport, the axle rotates to a different position that shortens the wheelbase, sacrificing planting precision for maneuverability. This dynamic repositioning allows the system to optimize for different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational states are segmented into distinct configurations. The first position segments the wheelbase into a shorter configuration for transport, while the second position segments it into a longer configuration for planting. This segmentation allows each operational phase to have its own optimized geometry without compromising the other function.
Data Source
AI summary
A forward folding implement is provided. The implement includes a telescoping tongue to allow forward folding wings of the implement. At one end of the tongue are positioned transport wheels that are used to level the height of the frame during planting to keep the row units at determined heights of the single plant uniform depth, while also providing a support for the implement during transport of the implement. A transport wheel rotating assembly is provided to rotate the transport wheels about a pivot point such that the transport wheels will adjust the height of the implement, and also increase or decrease the length of the wheelbase between the tractor tires and the transport tires to increase the maneuverability and transportability of the implement both within a field and outside a field. The assembly includes a linkage and a cylinder connected to the implement.