Folding Toolbar Stability via Inboard Wheel Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements with folding toolbars face challenges in maintaining stability and flexibility on uneven terrain, as well as a need for a narrower folded width and varying windrow widths, while existing solutions result in instability and increased clearance requirements due to the placement of ground engaging wheels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a caster wheel assembly with a torsion shaft and novel joint configurations, allowing the toolbar to pivot and adjust to terrain while maintaining stability, and a sliding tongue mechanism for adjusting windrow widths, which includes a torsion shaft assembly to dampen forces and a ball joint for rotational freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the ground engaging wheel is mounted on the side of the toolbar away from the tongue, then the toolbar has better stability, but the folded width of the implement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground engaging wheel is mounted on the inboard end of the toolbar (closer to the tongue) rather than the outboard end, inverting the conventional mounting approach. This allows the toolbar to maintain stability through the joint mechanisms while reducing the folded width of the implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The toolbar incorporates joints with limited degrees of freedom that allow dynamic adjustment and movement. These joints enable the toolbar to conform to uneven terrain while maintaining structural stability, and allow the implement to fold to a narrower width for transport without compromising operational stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the diameter of the ground engaging wheel is increased to reduce impulses from uneven ground, then the toolbar stability improves, but the clearance requirement increases due to increased offset
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing wheel diameter to reduce impulses, the invention inverts the approach by mounting the wheel closer to the tongue and using joint mechanisms with limited degrees of freedom to absorb and manage impulses from uneven ground, thereby maintaining stability without increasing clearance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the joint mechanisms by providing joints with limited degrees of freedom rather than full rotational freedom. This allows the system to maintain stability and absorb impulses without requiring larger wheel diameters that would increase clearance requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If joints with limited degrees of freedom are used to provide rigidity, then the toolbar stability improves, but the ability to conform to uneven terrain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the parameters of the joint mechanisms by providing joints with limited degrees of freedom that allow sufficient movement to conform to uneven terrain while maintaining structural stability. The joints are designed with specific rotational constraints that enable terrain adaptation without compromising rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint mechanisms are designed to be dynamic, allowing the toolbar to adjust its configuration in response to terrain variations. The limited degrees of freedom provide controlled movement that enables conformability to uneven ground while maintaining overall structural stability during operation.
4Ease of operation
If the overall length of the implement is reduced, then the turning capability improves, but the working length becomes shorter
Solution Approach 1:
The implement is segmented into modular components including the tongue, toolbar, and ground engaging wheel assembly. This segmentation allows the implement to be configured with an optimized overall length for turning while maintaining sufficient working length through the articulated joint mechanisms that allow extension during operation.
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 improved stability and flexibility on uneven terrain, reduces the folded width of the implement, and allows for adjustable windrow widths, enhancing operational efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a first torsion shaft assembly (1820) operatively connecting the forks (1730) to the stem (1740)
Implementation Method 2
a first torsion shaft assembly (1820) operatively connecting the forks (1730) to the stem (1740), the first torsion shaft assembly (1820) dampening forces to the toolbar (200, 300)
Implementation Method 3
a ball joint for rotational freedom
Implementation Method 4
a caster wheel assembly with a torsion shaft and novel joint configurations, allowing the toolbar to pivot and adjust to terrain while maintaining stability
Data Source
AI summary
A folding frame for an agricultural implement such as a wheel rake. The frame includes ground engaging wheels and two toolbars foldable for operation and for transport. The folding frame is provided flexibility to conform to uneven surfaces, yet stability against the torques and forces of operation. A slidable tongue provides folding action between the transport position and the operating position. A spacing between rear ends of the two toolbars may be altered hydraulically for wider or narrower windrows. A novel caster wheel provides support for the toolbars and is located so that the implement's transport position is narrower than the prior art's.