Tillage Actuator Nesting in Lateral Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tillage equipment faces challenges in efficiently adjusting tool positions during operation and transporting, as they often require complex mechanisms for folding and unfolding to manage width and height, which can be cumbersome and expose actuators to external forces and debris.

Innovation Solution

A tillage implement design featuring a main frame with pivotably connected wing sections and actuators that adjust tool positions, with the actuator positioned through a lateral frame member for protection and reduced length, allowing for efficient operation and transport by folding sections and adjusting tool angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If actuators are positioned externally to adjust tool positions, then tool position adjustment is achieved, but actuators are exposed to external forces and debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool position adjustmentVSAvoidexposure to external forces and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is positioned within the lateral frame member, with at least a portion of the actuator extending into an actuator opening in the lateral frame member. This nesting arrangement protects the actuator from external forces and debris while maintaining its functionality for adjusting tool assembly positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex folding mechanisms are used to manage width and height, then transport capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport capabilityVSAvoidfolding mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implement frame is divided into separate wing frame sections that can be pivotally connected and folded relative to the main frame. This segmentation allows the wing sections to be folded during transport to reduce width and height, improving adaptability without requiring overly complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of stationary object

If actuator length is reduced by positioning through frame members, then frame length is reduced, but actuator protection is improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe lengthVSAvoidactuator protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is nested within the lateral frame member structure, with the actuator opening providing both structural integration and protective enclosure. This reduces the overall frame length while simultaneously protecting the actuator from external harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20200053945A1Frame assembly and actuator arrangement for agricultural implements

Publication Date: 2020.02.20 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A tillage implement is configured to be towed behind an agricultural vehicle. An implement frame has a first lengthwise frame member, a second lengthwise frame member, and a lateral frame member connected to and extending between the first and second lengthwise frame members. A tool assembly is pivotally connected to the implement frame and includes a ground engaging member. An actuator has a first portion connected to the implement frame and a second portion connected to the tool assembly. Movement of the actuator adjusts the position of the tool assembly relative to the implement frame. The lateral frame member includes an actuator opening and at least a portion of the actuator extends into the actuator opening and the lateral frame member.