Self-Locking Fender System for Tractors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fender systems for agricultural machines require manual locking and unlocking to transition between service and operating positions, posing safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking fender system with a spring-loaded ball and recess mechanism that automatically locks the fender in the service position, eliminating the need for manual intervention to secure or release the locking pin, allowing the fender to be easily moved between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism (lever and locking pin) is used to secure the fender in service position, then the fender can be held in service position, but the operation becomes complex and safety risks increase due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically locks itself when the fender is in service position. The ball member engages with the recess member without requiring manual operation of a lever or locking pin, making the system lock itself based on the fender's position. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical lever-and-locking-pin system is replaced with a simpler ball-and-recess engagement mechanism. The spring member provides automatic engagement force, substituting the need for manual lever operation and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining locking reliability.
2Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism is used, then the fender can be secured in service position, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like levers and locking pins
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically locks itself when the fender is in service position. The ball member engages with the recess member without requiring manual operation of a lever or locking pin, making the system lock itself based on the fender's position. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical lever-and-locking-pin system is replaced with a simpler ball-and-recess engagement mechanism. The spring member provides automatic engagement force, substituting the need for manual lever operation and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining locking reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded ball and recess mechanism is used for automatic locking, then the ease of operation is improved by eliminating manual locking, but the device complexity increases due to spring and ball mechanism components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically locks itself when the fender is in service position. The ball member engages with the recess member without requiring manual operation of a lever or locking pin, making the system lock itself based on the fender's position. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical lever-and-locking-pin system is replaced with a simpler ball-and-recess engagement mechanism. The spring member provides automatic engagement force, substituting the need for manual lever operation and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining locking reliability.
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
The system ensures the fender remains securely in the service position for maintenance without manual effort, enhancing safety and ease of use by automatically locking and unlocking, allowing for effortless transition back to the operating position.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member (9) and a ball member (10) arranged on the fixed section (7), wherein the spring member (9) is designed to press the ball member (10) against the movable section (8)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a mudguard system (1) for an agricultural machine (2), in particular a tractor, comprising a mudguard (3) for at least partially enclosing a wheel (4) of the machine (2), a fastening device (5) for attaching the mudguard (3) to the machine (2), and a locking device (6) for locking the fastening device (5), wherein the fastening device (5) has at least a fixed section (7) for connecting to the machine (2) and a moving section (8) to which the mudguard (3) is assigned, wherein the moving section (8) is movable relative to the fixed section (7), and wherein the moving section (8) can be locked relative to the fixed section (7) by means of the locking device (6), at least when the mudguard (3) is in a service position.To provide a mudguard system (1) for an agricultural machine (2) with a simplified locking mechanism for the mudguard (3) in its service position, the invention proposes that the locking device (6) be configured as a self-locking system which automatically locks the moving section (8) relative to the fixed section (7) when the mudguard (3) is in its service position. Furthermore, the application relates to an agricultural machine (2).