Pivoting Tractor Mower Locking for Swing-Free Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural mowers suspended from tractors using pendulum-like mechanisms uncontrollably swing during raised positions and transport, causing ground strikes and dangerous situations, while damping elements compromise ground contour following.
Innovation Solution
Agricultural mower with a pivotally mounted cutting unit and a linear actuator that locks the mower unit in a central position, preventing uncontrollable oscillation, allowing ground-following operation and safe transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If damping elements such as springs or elastomers are incorporated to dampen the back-and-forth oscillation of the implement, then the uncontrolled swinging during transport and headland operations is reduced, but the ground contour following capability in working position is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational states: a locked state during transport and headland operations where the mower unit is fixed in the central position to prevent swinging, and an unlocked state during field operations where the mower unit can pivot freely to follow ground contours. This dynamic configuration change resolves the contradiction by providing stability when needed and adaptability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical state parameter of the mower unit from fixed to movable and vice versa based on operational conditions. By using a locking mechanism that can engage or disengage, the system alters its physical parameters (position freedom, degrees of freedom) to match operational requirements, thereby achieving both stability during transport and ground following during work.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mower unit is locked in the center position during field operation, then uncontrolled oscillation is prevented, but the mower unit can no longer be guided across the field in a ground-following manner
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control where the locking mechanism is engaged only during specific operational phases (transport, headland turns) and disengaged during field operations. This temporal separation of locking and freeing states ensures stability is provided when oscillation is a risk, while ground-following capability is maintained when the mower is actively working in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates periodically based on operational cycles - locked during transport phases, unlocked during field work phases. This periodic engagement and disengagement of the locking mechanism allows the system to alternately provide stability and ground-following capability according to the operational cycle, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Data Source
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Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural mower designed for push operation and a frame for mounting on a three-point linkage, in particular that of a tractor. The mower has a cutting unit with a cutter bar extending transversely to a direction of travel. The cutting unit is pivotally suspended from the frame so that, in field operation, it can pivot back and forth about a pivot axis extending in the direction of travel, starting from a central position and moving in and against a pivot direction relative to the frame. The mower has a linear actuator with which the cutting unit, in particular in the raised position, can be locked in the central position. The present invention further relates to a tractor-mounted tractor-mounted mower and a method for locking the cutting unit of a mower in a central position.