Tubular Implement Frame Joints With Window Weld Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural implement frameworks experience excessive heat buildup, brittleness, and are time-consuming and expensive to produce due to multiple welding passes, and they suffer from fatigue crack formation under cyclical loads.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a tubular beam frame with window openings and slotted openings for interconnecting members, allowing for continuous welding along the window openings to form strong and durable frame joints that resist fatigue, reducing the need for extensive fixturing and costly welding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple welding passes are used to join frame members, then the frame connections achieve sufficient strength, but excessive heat buildup occurs and the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are segmented with open sections that expose the internal surfaces for welding. This allows weld access from the outside without requiring complex multi-pass welding procedures, reducing manufacturing time while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The open sections act as intermediaries that provide direct access to the internal welding surfaces. This eliminates the need for extensive fixturing and multiple welding passes by allowing straightforward weld deposition on exposed surfaces
2Strength
If multiple welding passes are used to join frame members, then the frame connections achieve sufficient strength, but the manufacturing process becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are segmented with open sections that expose the internal surfaces for welding. This allows weld access from the outside without requiring complex multi-pass welding procedures, reducing manufacturing time while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The open sections act as intermediaries that provide direct access to the internal welding surfaces. This eliminates the need for extensive fixturing and multiple welding passes by allowing straightforward weld deposition on exposed surfaces
3Strength
If conventional welded frame connections are used, then the frame members are joined together, but fatigue cracks form under cyclical tension, compression, and bending loads
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of welding external surfaces and hoping for internal strength, the design inverts the approach by exposing the internal surfaces through open sections. This allows direct welding of the load-bearing internal surfaces, creating stronger fatigue-resistant connections
Solution Approach 2:
The open sections are strategically positioned at critical connection points where fatigue resistance is most important. This local modification provides enhanced welding access and strength exactly where needed under cyclical loads
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional frame connections with extensive fixturing are used, then accurate assembly is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are segmented with open sections that expose the internal surfaces for welding. This allows weld access from the outside without requiring complex multi-pass welding procedures, reducing manufacturing time while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The open sections act as intermediaries that provide direct access to the internal welding surfaces. This eliminates the need for extensive fixturing and multiple welding passes by allowing straightforward weld deposition on exposed surfaces
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
This configuration enhances the durability and cost-effectiveness of the implement frame by minimizing heat buildup, reducing fatigue, and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity under operational loads.
Implementation Method 1
The respective end of the interconnecting member is welded to a second one of the walls
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement is configured to be advanced in a forward direction and includes an implement frame. The implement frame includes a pair of laterally extending fore-and-aft spaced frame members. The frame also includes a fore-and-aft extending interconnecting member that extends between the frame members and presents forward and aft ends. At least one of the frame members comprises a tubular beam presenting forward and aft walls. The forward and aft walls at least partly define an interior beam space, with a window opening being defined in a first one of the walls. The tubular beam receives a respective end of the interconnecting member so that the interconnecting member extends into and out of the interior beam space through the window opening. The respective end of the interconnecting member is welded to a second one of the walls.