Pivoting Tank Lid Automatic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tank cover systems for agricultural machinery, used to contain phytosanitary products or liquid fertilizers, face issues with unreliable locking mechanisms that can lead to accidental spillage and contamination, especially when moving over uneven terrain, and are prone to foreign body introduction, which can damage the spraying system.
Innovation Solution
A cover system with a first and second cover part, pivotally mounted about a pivot axis, featuring a locking mechanism that automatically locks the second cover part in the second angular locking position, utilizing a locking member driven by an elastic return mechanism and a cam-like mechanism to ensure secure closure and prevent unintended unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism using threads and locking torque is applied to the second cover part, then axial blocking of the cover on the tank opening edge is achieved, but the locking becomes unreliable and may accidentally unlock when moving over uneven ground
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is made movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, allowing it to dynamically respond to forces acting on the cover. The elastic member provides dynamic adjustment capability, enabling the locking mechanism to maintain reliability while preventing unintended unlocking through its ability to adapt to varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically returns the locking member to the locking position after opening operations, eliminating the need for manual resetting. The system self-regulates by using the elastic force to maintain the locking member in the appropriate position based on the cover's angular position, ensuring continuous reliability without additional operational steps
2Reliability
If a large locking torque is applied to ensure secure locking, then axial blocking is improved, but difficult unlocking of the second cover part occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member transitions between locked and unlocked states through angular movement rather than requiring reversal of large locking torque. The movable locking member engages or disengages from the opening edge based on the cover's angular position, providing secure locking during operation while allowing easy unlocking through simple angular displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is positioned in advance to engage with the opening edge before the cover is fully closed, and automatically disengages when the cover reaches the unlocked angular position. This preliminary positioning and automatic disengagement eliminates the need to overcome large locking torque during unlocking operations
3Ease of operation
If the cover uses a simple pivotal mounting between first and second angular positions, then ease of operation is improved, but the cover may accidentally pivot and unlock when moving over uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member acts as an intermediary between the cover and the tank opening edge, providing an additional security layer. It engages with the opening edge to prevent accidental pivoting and unlocking, while allowing the cover to maintain its simple pivotal mounting for ease of operation. The elastic member ensures the locking member returns to the appropriate position after operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member dynamically adjusts its position based on the cover's angular position, being movable between locking and unlocking positions. This dynamic behavior allows the cover to pivot freely for opening and closing operations while automatically preventing accidental unlocking when the cover is in the closed angular position, thus maintaining both ease of operation and 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 solution provides a reliable and secure locking mechanism that prevents accidental spillage and foreign body entry, ensuring the tank remains closed during agricultural operations, even on uneven terrain, and reduces the risk of damage to the spraying system.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic return member biases the locking member in displacement towards the rest position
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a cover (10) for a tank intended to contain a photosanitary product or a liquid fertiliser, comprising: - a first cover part (11); - a second cover part (12) pivotably mounted on the first cover part around a pivot axis (14) in an axial direction, between a first angular position for unblocking the cover and a second angular position for blocking the cover, in which the cover is intended to be axially blocked on an opening edge of the cover extending around the pivot axis; - a plurality of blocking components (13) intended to engage with the opening edge of the tank to axially block the cover relative to the tank, when the second cover part occupies the second angular blocking position; - a locking mechanism (31, 32, 33, 41) designed to automatically lock the pivoting of the second cover part, relative to the first cover part, in a pivot direction (P2) proceeding from the second angular blocking position to the first angular unblocking position, when the second cover part reaches the second angular blocking position.