Skewed Hinge Toolbar for Compact Agricultural Implement Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements with folding toolbars face challenges in transportation and storage due to their large dimensions, as existing solutions require multiple actuators and result in increased height or width when folded, making them difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a toolbar system with a skewed hinge pivot assembly that allows each wing to pivot from an operating position to a transport position in a single motion, reducing the overall width and height, and further configurations for shipping, using an elevator mechanism and actuator system to facilitate folding and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the toolbar is extended horizontally to cover a large area during operation, then the working efficiency is improved, but the transportability and storage ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The toolbar is designed with dynamic folding capability, allowing it to change its configuration from an extended horizontal position during operation to a folded compact position during transport. The wing members can be pivoted between operating and transport positions, transforming the static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing members are arranged to fold inward toward the implement body, with outer wings folding over inner wings in a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall width and footprint of the toolbar when folded, maximizing transportability while maintaining full extension capability during operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple actuators are used to move the toolbars from operating to retracted position, then the precision of positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuating functions are merged into a single actuator system. The first actuator simultaneously performs elevation of the wing members and pivoting them to the transport position, while the second actuator handles both tilting and rotation functions. This consolidation reduces the total number of actuators from three to two while maintaining precise positioning capability through coordinated motion.
Solution Approach 2:
Each actuator is designed with multi-functionality, where the first actuator serves dual purposes of elevation and pivoting, and the second actuator performs both tilting and rotation. This universal design allows a single actuator to accomplish multiple positioning tasks that would traditionally require separate actuators, simplifying the overall system while preserving positioning precision.
3Length of moving object
If the toolbar is folded upwardly or against a side of the implement, then the horizontal extension is reduced, but the height or width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing members are configured to fold inward in a nested arrangement, with outer wings folding over inner wings toward the centerline of the implement. This nesting strategy minimizes both the height and width dimensions when folded, as the wings occupy space within the implement's existing footprint rather than extending outward, thereby improving transportability without significantly increasing overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of folding the wings vertically upward (increasing height) or horizontally outward (increasing width), the design utilizes the third dimension by pivoting the wings inward toward the implement body. This dimensional transformation allows the wings to be stored in a compact configuration that fits within the implement's overall envelope, reducing the bounding box dimensions in all three directions.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement includes a frame having a longitudinal axis and laterally opposed sides and motive supports mounted to and supporting the frame. The agricultural implement further includes a first wing carried by the frame and at least one second wing, in which each second wing is pivotably connected to the first wing. The agricultural implement also includes an elevator mechanism configured to raise and lower the first wing and the second wing. Each second wing is connected to the first wing by a wing pivot assembly that includes a skewed hinge pivotably connecting one of the second wings to the first wing. The wing pivot assembly allows each second wing to pivot with respect to the first wing between an operating position and a transport position, in which the skewed hinge defines a first pivot axis oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.