Agricultural Toolbar Weight Layout for Rear Hitch Lift Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger agricultural tool bars generate lifting forces at the rear hitch of the tractor, which reduces traction and maneuverability, causing maneuverability issues and soil compaction, especially on sloped areas, and the soil, reducing maneuverability and control, particularly when negotiating turns or operating on sloped areas.
Innovation Solution
The tool bar system includes a frame, lift wheels, and a tool mount bar assembly with weight distribution that reduces lifting forces on the rear hitch of the tractor, which improves traction and maneuverability by reducing the tool bar system's traction and maneuverability, especially on sloped areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the tool bar size and weight are increased to handle larger farming operations, then the productivity and capacity of the tractor is improved, but the maneuverability and control of the tractor is reduced due to lifting forces at the rear hitch
Solution Approach 1:
The tool bar is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently positioned. The first section is positioned forward of the lift wheels while the second and third sections are positioned rearward, creating a segmented weight distribution that reduces lifting forces at the rear hitch while maintaining overall tool bar capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a longitudinal dimension to weight distribution by positioning different tool bar sections at different distances from the rear hitch. The first section is positioned forward of the lift wheels, while the second and third sections are positioned rearward, creating a multi-dimensional weight distribution pattern that balances productivity with maneuverability
2Productivity
If the tool bar is positioned rearward of the lift wheels to maximize working space, then the productivity is improved, but the lifting force at the rear hitch is increased reducing traction
Solution Approach 1:
The tool bar is segmented into multiple sections with different positioning strategies. The first section is positioned forward of the lift wheels to counterbalance lifting forces, while the second and third sections are positioned rearward to maximize working space, achieving a balance between force distribution and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The first section of the tool bar acts as a counterweight by being positioned forward of the lift wheels, creating a balancing moment that offsets the lifting force generated by the rearward-positioned second and third sections, thereby reducing the net lifting force at the rear hitch
3Adaptability or versatility
If the swing pipe tower assembly is positioned rearward of the lift wheels to maximize reach, then the versatility is improved, but the lifting force at the rear hitch is increased reducing traction
Solution Approach 1:
The tool bar is divided into sections that independently determine the swing pipe tower assembly position. The first section positioning allows the swing pipe tower to be located forward of the lift wheels, providing adequate reach and versatility while minimizing the lifting force contribution to the rear hitch
Data Source
AI summary
A tool bar system is provided that is configured and arranged with weight distribution that inhibits the tool bar system from applying lifting forces to the rear hitch of the tractor that is pulling the tool bar. In one or more embodiments, the toolbar system includes a frame, lift wheels, a tool mount bar assembly having one or more forward sections and one or more rearward sections. The rearward sections are positioned rearward of lift wheels. Forward sections are positioned closer to the front of the tool bar system than the rearward sections, thereby reducing lifting forces at the front end of the tool bar system.