Dual-Pivot Wing Frame Hinge for Folding and Flexing Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies in large-scale agricultural implements face challenges in accommodating the wide span and compact storage requirements, as well as handling thrust loads, which can lead to inefficiencies and limited flexing range, compromising the implement's performance.
Innovation Solution
A dual-hinged assembly with separate pivot points for folding and flexing, featuring a fold pivot location higher than the inner wing frame section and a flex pivot location lower than the inner wing frame section, allowing for full 180-degree folding and 10-20 degrees of upward/downward flexing, while reducing thrust moments and enabling consistent tool spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pivot point hinge assembly is used to join wing frame sections, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate both wide span working requirements and compact storage requirements simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into two separate pivot points: a fold pivot point for storage/folding operations and a flex pivot point for working/flexing operations. This segmentation allows each pivot point to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the wing frame sections to achieve both wide span configuration during working and compact folded configuration during storage, without requiring a single complex universal hinge
2Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge assembly is used, then the structure is more compact, but it has limited flexing range and cannot achieve full 180-degree folding
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the fold and flex functions into distinct pivot points, the hinge assembly enables independent optimization of each motion range. The fold pivot point allows full 180-degree folding for compact storage, while the flex pivot point provides 10-20 degrees of upward/downward flexing during working, achieving comprehensive ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The dual pivot point configuration introduces an additional degree of freedom by positioning pivot points at different locations (fold pivot above the inner wing frame section, flex pivot below it). This spatial arrangement in another dimension enables independent rotation about two different axes, achieving both full folding and flexing capabilities
3Strength
If pivot points are positioned within the wing frame section, then the structure is more compact, but it generates higher thrust moments that compromise performance
Solution Approach 1:
The fold pivot point is positioned asymmetrically above the inner wing frame section, while the flex pivot point is positioned below it. This asymmetric positioning creates unequal moment arms that optimize the distribution of thrust loads, reducing the overall thrust moments acting on the wing frame sections and improving structural strength and performance
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for an agricultural implement having inner and outer wing frame sections has an inner pivot bracket pivotally coupled to the inner wing frame section at a fold pivot location, and an outer pivot bracket pivotally coupled to the outer wing frame section at a flex pivot location and coupled to the inner pivot bracket. An inner pivot link pivotally couples to the inner pivot bracket and the outer pivot bracket, and an outer pivot link pivotally couples to the outer pivot bracket and the outer wing frame section. The inner and outer pivot brackets pivot relative to each other at the fold pivot location between a working state and a folded state, and the flex pivot location moves relative to the fold pivot location during the relative pivoting. When in the working state, the fold pivot location is higher than a top side of the inner wing frame section and the flex pivot location is lower than a bottom side of the inner wing frame section.