Agricultural Wheel Assembly Fastener for Transport Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Planting implements experience undesired reengagement with the soil during transportation and storage due to fluid leakage in the actuator, causing the toolbar to slowly lower and the row units to reengage the soil.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly with a pivotally coupled wheel frame that rotates between raised and lowered positions, featuring a linkage assembly and actuator for position control, and a fastener mechanism to block rotation in the lowered position, preventing fluid leakage-induced lowering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator is used to control the wheel frame position, then the toolbar can be positioned at desired heights, but fluid leakage causes the wheel frame to slowly lower and row units to reengage the soil
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is engaged in advance during the lowering operation to lock the wheel frame in its final position. This preliminary action of securing the position before transport begins prevents any subsequent drift or lowering due to actuator fluid leakage, ensuring position stability throughout transportation and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener acts as an intermediary mechanical locking element between the wheel frame and the support structure. It provides a positive mechanical stop that supplements the hydraulic actuator system, preventing unintended movement while allowing controlled movement during operation when engaged and disengaged.
2Ease of operation
If the wheel frame is kept in the lowered position for transport, then row units are raised above soil, but fluid leakage causes toolbar to lower toward ground surface
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is engaged in advance during the lowering operation to lock the wheel frame in its final position. This preliminary action of securing the position before transport begins prevents any subsequent drift or lowering due to actuator fluid leakage, ensuring position stability throughout transportation and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener provides a mechanical safety backup that cushions against the harmful effect of actuator leakage. By engaging the fastener before transport, the system prepares a fail-safe mechanism that prevents the harmful lowering effect from occurring, ensuring reliable position maintenance during transport and storage.
3Reliability
If a fastener mechanism is added to block rotation, then position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the existing linkage assembly structure. The linkage assembly provides natural stopping positions where the fastener can engage, eliminating the need for separate complex locking mechanisms. The system uses its own structural features to provide the locking function, minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly of an agricultural implement includes a wheel and a wheel frame supporting the wheel. The wheel frame is configured to pivotally couple to a toolbar of the agricultural implement, and the wheel frame is configured to rotate between a lowered position and a raised position. The wheel assembly also includes a mount configured to fixedly couple to the toolbar. In addition, the wheel assembly includes a linkage assembly configured to control rotation of the wheel frame between the raised position and the lowered position. The wheel assembly also includes a fastener configured to selectively engage the mount and the linkage assembly while the wheel frame is in the lowered position to block rotation of the wheel frame.