Agricultural Sowing Machine Side Frame Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional towed agricultural seed drills with large working widths face limitations in compact folding for transport due to the need for complex folding techniques or reduced working width when folding individual dosing elements vertically.
Innovation Solution
Assigning a central reservoir to each side frame, allowing the side frame and associated components to fold compactly, with the central seed reservoir positioned between the side frame and the fertilizer tank, utilizing a pivotable coupling frame and hydraulic actuation for efficient folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If individual dosing elements are folded vertically by 90° around axes running in the direction of travel, then the machine can be compacted for transport, but the working width is severely limited or complicated folding techniques are required for larger working widths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the folding dimension from vertical (90° around longitudinal axis) to lateral (90° around transverse axis). The side frames are pivotably connected to the central frame via coupling frames that allow lateral folding, enabling compact transport configuration without limiting working width during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The side frames and coupling frames are designed with pivotable connections that allow dynamic reconfiguration between working position (side frames extended laterally) and transport position (side frames folded 90° to rearward position). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between working width and transport compactness.
2Productivity
If a large working width of 9 m is achieved, then productivity is improved, but the machine requires complex folding techniques or reduced working width for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into modular segments: central frame with fertilizer tank, and multiple side frames with seed reservoirs that can be independently folded. Each side frame is pivotably connected via coupling frames, allowing simplified individual folding operations rather than complex coordinated folding of the entire machine.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of complex vertical folding mechanisms required for large working widths, the patent uses lateral folding around transverse axes. This dimensional change simplifies the folding mechanism while maintaining the ability to achieve large working widths when deployed.
3Volume of moving object
If side frames are folded compactly with central reservoirs positioned between side frame and fertilizer tank, then transport compactness is improved, but space arrangement becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The central reservoirs are positioned within the spatial envelope formed by the side frames and fertilizer tank. When folded, the side frames nest alongside the central frame, with reservoirs arranged in the available space between components, achieving compact integration similar to nested doll principle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent rearranges component layout from longitudinal arrangement to lateral and rearward positioning. Side frames fold 90° to position components in the rearward lateral space, creating a compact three-dimensional arrangement that optimizes transport volume while maintaining functional integrity.
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
Enables a compact and space-saving design in the transport position while maintaining a large working width, simplifying the folding process and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A motorized actuating element in the form of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder (7) is arranged between the upper area of the coupling frame (6) and the central frame (1). The coupling frame (6) with the side frames (5) arranged on it can be pivoted by means of this hydraulic cylinder (7).
Implementation Method 2
Pivoting elements designed as double-acting hydraulic cylinders (10) are arranged between the coupling frame (6) and the side frames (5).
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A seed-sowing machine has a central frame for traction shaft (3) with storage tank (4) in its forward zone. At the rearward zone on either side laterally of the central frame (1) extend side frames (5) on the fertilizer- (11) and/or sowing-elements (12) with a storage container (14) and central dosing member for several sowing elements, and where the side frames (5) are arranged with the assigned storage container (14), dosing member and seed/sowing element (12), and relative to the central frame (1) swivel 90 deg upwards, transversely to the direction (7) of travel.