Triple-Fold Tillage Implement Transport Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural tillage implements face difficulties in converting from an operating mode to a transport mode without significant operator effort and often exceed regulatory highway dimensions when folded, necessitating separate escort vehicles for transportation.
Innovation Solution
A triple-fold field cultivator design with a center frame and lateral wing sections that fold inwardly to achieve a compact transport position, meeting regulatory dimensions of approximately 20 feet wide by 14 feet high, allowing for safe travel on public roads without an escort vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the tillage implement is made wider to increase operating width, then the operating capability is improved, but the transportability deteriorates as it exceeds regulatory highway dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The tillage implement is divided into multiple wing sections (inner, middle, and outer) that can be folded independently. Each wing section can be folded laterally inward over adjacent sections, allowing the overall structure to be segmented into manageable portions that reduce frontal profile dimensions while maintaining full operating width when unfolded.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing sections are designed to nest within each other when folded, with outer wing sections folding over middle sections, which in turn fold over inner sections. This nested configuration allows the implement to achieve a compact frontal profile that complies with regulatory highway dimensions while preserving the capability to deploy full operating width during agricultural operations.
2Length of moving object
If the tillage implement is folded compactly to meet transport requirements, then the transportability is improved, but the operating capability deteriorates due to reduced working width
Solution Approach 1:
The implement features dynamically adjustable wing sections with folding mechanisms that allow the structure to transition between compact folded state for transport and fully extended state for operation. The wing sections can be positioned at different angles and folded at different stages, providing dynamic adaptability between transport and operating modes without compromising either capability.
3Length of moving object
If the tillage implement uses complex folding mechanisms to achieve compact transport position, then the transportability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanisms are designed to be self-servicing through hydraulic or pneumatic actuators that automatically fold and unfold the wing sections based on operational requirements. The system includes integrated control mechanisms that enable the implement to convert between transport and operating modes autonomously, reducing the operational burden on the operator while maintaining ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural tillage implement includes a center frame section having a pull hitch configured to be towed, and a plurality of wing sections positioned on opposite lateral sides of the center frame section. The plurality of wing sections include an inner wing section, a middle wing section and an outer wing section. Each outer wing section is configured to fold laterally inward and over a respective middle wing section. Each middle wing section is configured to fold laterally inward and over a respective inner wing section. Each inner wing section is configured to fold laterally inward and over the center frame section, whereby each of the plurality of wing sections when in a folded state are in a transport position with an overall frontal profile having dimensions of no greater than approximately 18 feet wide by 13 feet, 6 inches high.