Movable Spreader Frame Safety Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern agricultural vehicles face challenges in maintaining and inspecting parts due to their compact design, and existing safety features for movable spreader devices are prone to system failure or human error.
Innovation Solution
A frame with an elongated safety latch that automatically engages when the spreader device is lifted to its maintenance configuration, providing a purely mechanical and fail-proof safety lock without requiring operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual mechanical solutions (handles, pins) are used to prevent frame pivoting, then safety is improved, but device complexity and risk of human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the frame's pivoting motion. The elongated safety latch pivots relative to the first safety arm due to sliding contact with the complementary engagement feature, causing automatic engagement without requiring operator intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates human error while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety latch transitions from a static locking mechanism to a dynamic one that responds to the frame's motion. The elongated safety latch is configured to pivot relative to the first safety arm during upward pivoting motion, automatically engaging the engagement feature with the complementary engagement feature at the appropriate moment in the motion cycle.
2Ease of operation
If electronic or hydraulic locking mechanisms are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to system failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic or hydraulic locking mechanisms with a purely mechanical safety latch system. The elongated safety latch and its engagement feature provide fail-proof mechanical locking that does not depend on complex electronic or hydraulic systems, eliminating the risk of system failure while maintaining ease of operation through automatic engagement.
3Ease of repair
If the frame is made movable for maintenance access, then ease of repair is improved, but safety risk increases due to potential falling
Solution Approach 1:
The safety latch mechanism proactively prevents the harmful effect of frame falling before it can occur. The elongated safety latch is positioned and configured to automatically engage with the complementary engagement feature at the critical moment when the frame is in the maintenance configuration, creating a fail-safe barrier against accidental movement or falling.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a frame (100) for movably supporting a spreader device (74) at a rear end of an agricultural vehicle (10). The frame (100) comprises two side arms (110) configured to support the spreader device (74) therebetween, and at least a first safety arm (120), extending from a first one of the side arms (110). An elongated safety latch (130) is pivotably connected to the first safety arm (120), and comprises an engagement feature (132) that is configured to engage with a complementary engagement feature (230) laterally extending from the rear end of the agricultural vehicle (10) to temporarily block the frame (100) from pivoting relative to the rear end of the agricultural vehicle (10) in at least one pivoting direction. The elongated safety latch (130) further comprises a contact edge (133) that is arranged to get into a sliding contact with the complementary engagement feature (230) during a portion of an upward pivoting motion of the frame (100).