Tractor Mower Frame Rigidity via Segmented C-Channel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tractor mower frames face challenges in achieving good rigidity while minimizing the number of welded components, weight, and cost, with existing designs either being too heavy and rigid or insufficiently rigid and economical.
Innovation Solution
A supporting frame for tractor mowers is designed using C-shaped open-section longitudinal members made of bent metal plates, which are less rigid but more economical, with structural elements fastened using a combination of welding and screwing to enhance stiffness and reduce vibration, while maintaining economic advantages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If European type welded longitudinal members with closed section are used, then rigidity is improved, but weight and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into two separate longitudinal members (first and second longitudinal members) that are positioned apart from each other, rather than using a single solid closed-section structure. This segmentation reduces material usage and weight while maintaining rigidity through the distributed configuration and connection of multiple members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane closed-section structure to a three-dimensional configuration where longitudinal members are spaced apart and connected by transverse members, creating a spatial framework that achieves rigidity through dimensional distribution rather than dense material concentration.
2Strength
If European type welded longitudinal members with closed section are used, then rigidity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into discrete longitudinal and transverse members that can be manufactured separately and assembled through welding, reducing the complexity of producing large closed-section components and allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
By distributing structural elements across multiple dimensions (spaced longitudinal members connected by transverse members), the patent simplifies manufacturing of individual components while achieving the required rigidity through their spatial arrangement, rather than requiring complex monolithic structures.
3Weight of stationary object
If American type pressed steel plate is used, then weight and manufacturing cost are reduced, but rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple separate pressed steel plate members (longitudinal and transverse) arranged in a framework configuration, which maintains the weight and manufacturing advantages of pressed plate while achieving rigidity through the distributed structural arrangement rather than relying on a single solid plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a single-plane pressed plate to a three-dimensional framework of spaced members, utilizing spatial distribution to enhance rigidity while preserving the benefits of pressed steel plate construction.
4Ease of manufacture
If American type pressed steel plate is used, then manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, but structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple pressed steel plate members that can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective pressing techniques and then assembled, maintaining manufacturing economy while achieving rigidity through the multi-member configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging pressed plate members in a three-dimensional framework with longitudinal members spaced apart and connected by transverse members, the patent achieves structural rigidity that compares favorably with solid structures while preserving the manufacturing cost advantages of pressed plate construction.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~6
AI summary
Supporting frame (1) for tractor mower, comprising two parallel longitudinal members (2) with open section (3) having a plurality of fastening through holes and cut-offs (11), and structural elements (6,8,9,10,13,14,40) with the function of transversal structural connection between the longitudinal members (2) and for fastening functional units, in such a way that the welding and the fastening of said structural elements (6,8,9,40) to the longitudinal members (2) closes the open section (3) of the longitudinal members (2) at the points where structural rigidity is required.