Telescopic Frame with Equal-Length Sliding Extensions

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing telescopic frames for agricultural implements suffer from reduced stability and increased risk of deformation and breakage due to a short guide length when adjusting the spacing between working tools, particularly when used for planting maize, leading to cumbersome operation and reduced tool stability.

Innovation Solution

The telescopic frame design features sliding extensions with lengths equal to the central beam, ensuring improved rigidity and stability, with extensions remaining nested regardless of position, and differing sections for compact stacking, allowing for adjustable spacing from 43 to 80 cm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the telescopic frame uses short extensions to reduce size, then the frame can be more compact, but the guide length is reduced leading to increased deformation risk and reduced stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe sizeVSAvoiddeformation risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into a central beam and multiple sliding extensions that can be independently positioned. The extensions are segmented into different sections with varying lengths, allowing the frame to adapt its overall size while maintaining sufficient guide length in the central beam portion to prevent deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame transitions from a static structure to a dynamic telescopic system where extensions can slide in and out of the central beam. This allows the frame to change its effective working width while the central beam maintains a sufficient base length to provide stable guidance and prevent deformation regardless of extension position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the telescopic frame opens to increase spacing between working tools, then the frame can accommodate larger crop spacing, but the guide length is reduced making the frame more prone to deformation and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespacing adjustmentVSAvoidframe rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure segments the working width into adjustable extension portions and a fixed central beam portion. This segmentation allows the extensions to be lengthened for greater spacing while the central beam maintains its structural integrity and guide length, preventing deformation even when fully extended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame employs composite construction with the central beam and extensions made from appropriate materials and cross-sectional designs. The central beam has a specific cross-section that provides torsional rigidity and guidance, while extensions are designed to slide smoothly, creating a composite structure that maintains strength across all extension positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If the telescopic frame uses equal length extensions, then the rigidity is improved, but the frame complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe rigidityVSAvoidextension configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into a central beam and multiple sliding extensions with different cross-sectional areas. This segmentation allows the extensions to be nested within each other while maintaining equal effective lengths when deployed, providing rigidity without requiring complex external support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extensions are designed to nest within the central beam and within each other when not in use. This nesting arrangement provides a compact storage configuration while ensuring that when deployed, the extensions achieve equal effective lengths that maximize frame rigidity and stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2030495B1Improved telescopic frame and agricultural apparatus with such a frame
Publication Date: 2011.06.22 KUHN SA
  • EP2030495B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2030495B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2030495B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The chassis (1) has a hollow central beam (4) possessing a length same as that of the chassis in its reduced encumbrance position, and sliding extensions (5, 6) fitted with respect to one another irrespective of a defined space between working tools (2) e.g. beet seed elements. Each extension has a length that is equal to that of the central beam. The extensions are displaced with respect to the central beam by a single cylinder. The cylinder is integrated in the chassis between hinges. A sleeve drives the tools when the space between the tools is large.