Agricultural Implement Support Arm Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements require manual operation to release the safety device from the transport position, necessitating separate action from the tractor cab, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a securing device with form-locking elements that automatically engage and disengage through relative closing and opening movements synchronized with the support arm's locking and release movements, eliminating the need for additional actuators or operating interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual release mechanism (pull cable) is used for the safety device, then the locking position can be secured, but the operator must operate the release separately from the cab, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device automatically releases when the support arm pivots from transport to working position. The relative movement between the support arm and central frame directly actuates the form-locking elements to disengage, eliminating the need for manual intervention and making the system self-serving
Solution Approach 2:
The form-locking elements are pre-positioned to engage automatically when the support arm reaches the transport position. The spring element pre-loads the locking mechanism so that upon reaching the transport position, the locking occurs automatically without requiring separate manual action
2Ease of operation
If additional actuators or operating interfaces are added to automate the safety device release, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device release function is merged with the existing support arm pivoting movement. The same mechanical motion that positions the support arm also actuates the form-locking elements, combining two functions into one movement sequence without requiring separate actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The form-locking elements serve dual purposes: they secure the support arm in the transport position and simultaneously act as the release mechanism when the support arm pivots to the working position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated release actuators
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an agricultural implement comprising a central frame with a coupling unit for a tractor, at least one support arm (14, 16) which carries a working element (18, 20), wherein the at least one support arm (14, 16) is pivotably connected to the central frame (12) about a pivot axis (22, 24), wherein the at least one support arm (14, 16) is oriented substantially horizontally in a working position and substantially vertically in a transport position, and wherein a locking device (100a, 100b) is provided to secure the at least one support arm (14, 16) in the transport position, wherein the locking device (100a, 100b) comprises two positive locking elements (26a, 27a; 26b, 27b), namely a positive locking element (27a, 27b) on the central frame side and a positive locking element on the support arm side (26a, 26b), wherein the positive locking elements (26a, 27a;The positive locking elements (26a, 27a; 26b, 27b) can be engaged by a relative closing movement when the support arm (14, 16) is in the transport angle position, and can be released from engagement by a relative opening movement, in particular opposite to the relative closing movement. The invention is characterized in that the positive locking elements (26a, 27a; 26b, 27b) are arranged such that a release movement of the support arm (14, 16) relative to the central frame (12) causes the positive locking elements (26a, 27a; 26b, 27b) to perform the relative opening movement, and a locking movement of the support arm (14, 16) relative to the central frame (12) causes the positive locking elements (26a, 27a; 26b, 27b) to perform the relative closing movement.