Variable Tillage Implement Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tillage implements with variable tillage capability require long frames, making them cumbersome for transportation when frame sections are fully assembled, and necessitate disassembly for shipping, which is laborious for customers.
Innovation Solution
A tillage implement design featuring a shorter frame with a linkage mechanism that allows for variable tillage angles, enabling the tillage tools to be adjusted on the fly while maintaining a compact, assembled form suitable for convenient transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple frame sections are utilized to increase the width of the frame, then the tilling swath is broadened, but the frame becomes too long for convenient roadway transportation when fully assembled
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple frame sections (first frame section, second frame section, third frame section) that can be folded relative to each other. The first and second frame sections are foldable about a first fold axis, and the second and third frame sections are foldable about a second fold axis, allowing the frame to be collapsed into a compact configuration for transportation while maintaining full width for tilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame sections are made dynamically configurable through foldable connections with pivot axes. The frame can transition between a deployed configuration (for tilling) and a folded configuration (for transportation), allowing the same structure to serve multiple functions without requiring disassembly.
2Volume of moving object
If frame sections are folded vertically for storage and transport, then storage space is reduced, but transportation over long distances on roadways with height limitations remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frame sections are folded in a lateral direction (side-folding) rather than vertically upward. The first frame section folds laterally relative to the third frame section, and the second frame section folds laterally relative to both the first and third frame sections, reducing the lateral width to approximately half of the deployed width while maintaining a compact longitudinal profile suitable for roadway transportation.
3Ease of manufacture
If tillage tools are mounted on a common toolbar in a gang, then mounting and exchanging tools is facilitated, but the longitudinal spacing between gangs increases, requiring longer frames
Solution Approach 1:
Each frame section carries its own gang of tillage tools mounted on toolbars, rather than consolidating all tools on a single long toolbar. This segmentation allows each gang to be independently mounted and exchanged on its respective frame section, maintaining ease of tool management while reducing the overall longitudinal spacing requirements across the entire implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The toolbars are pivotally mounted on the frame sections, allowing them to be rotated between a horizontal position (for tilling) and a vertical position (for transport). This dynamic positioning allows compact transportation with folded frame sections while maintaining proper tool orientation for field operations.
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
The implement achieves variable tillage capability with a shorter frame, allowing for efficient soil engagement and reduced plugging, while enabling convenient transportation in a fully assembled state, eliminating the need for customer assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a linkage mechanism disposed longitudinally between the first and second toolbars, the linkage mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally connected linkage arms, the first and second toolbars each pivotally connected to the linkage mechanism, operation of the linkage mechanism simultaneously rotating the first toolbar about the first vertical rotation axis and rotating the second toolbar about the second vertical rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
the first toolbar pivotally mounted on the frame to be rotatable about a first vertical rotation axis; the second toolbar pivotally mounted on the frame to be rotatable about a second vertical rotation axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A tillage implement for variable tillage has a linkage mechanism disposed longitudinally between two gangs of annular harrow tools, the gangs each having a toolbar that is rotationally mounted on a frame of the implement. The linkage mechanism has a plurality of pivotally connected linkage arms, the toolbars each pivotally connected to at least one of the linkage arms. Operation of the linkage mechanism simultaneously rotates one toolbar about a first vertical rotation axis and the other toolbar about a second vertical rotation axis in an opposite rotational direction as the first toolbar. The implement has at least one wheel mounted on the frame longitudinally forward of both of the gangs or longitudinally rearward of both of the gangs. The tillage implement provides variable tillage while having a shorter frame to facilitate folding wing sections of the frame in a more compact manner for transportation while remaining assembled.