Wing Frame Latch Mechanism for Agricultural Implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for maintaining wing frames of mobile agricultural machines in a raised transport position are labor-intensive, prone to hydraulic fluid leakage, and often require complex and costly modifications, which can lead to malfunction and machinery damage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a cylinder and rod assembly with a latch mechanism that automatically locks the wing frames in the transport position, using a coupler system and inhibiting member to prevent unintended lowering, allowing for manual unlocking and relocking without additional hydraulic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical locking pin systems are used to maintain wing frames in raised position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder automatically performs the locking function by extending its rod to engage the latch mechanism with the wing frame, eliminating the need for manual locking pins and operator intervention. The system uses the existing hydraulic actuation force to achieve both positioning and locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the existing hydraulic actuation system. The rod of the hydraulic cylinder serves dual purposes: actuating the wing frame movement and simultaneously engaging the latch mechanism for locking, thereby combining two functions into a single integrated system.
2Ease of operation
If automatic lock-up systems with additional hydraulic actuators are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder is designed to perform multiple functions: it actuates the wing frame between operating and transport positions, and simultaneously provides the locking force through its rod engagement with the latch mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system automatically handles both the movement and locking operations without requiring additional control systems or separate actuators. The existing hydraulic pressure and cylinder movement inherently provide the locking action through the mechanical engagement design.
3Ease of operation
If complex linkage components are added to transfer forces, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased malfunction risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex linkage components that were previously used to transfer forces between the hydraulic cylinder and wing frame. By using a direct rod engagement with the latch mechanism, the system removes unnecessary intermediate components that could fail or become clogged with debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct, simple components: the rod, the latch, and the wing frame engagement points. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently with minimal complexity, reducing the overall risk of malfunction compared to integrated complex linkages.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for use with an agricultural implement assembly that includes a support frame, a wing frame and a cylinder assembly that includes a cylinder and a rod, each of the support frame, wing frame, cylinder and rod being an assembly component, the rod moving relative to the cylinder between an unlatched position and a latched position as the support and wing frames move from an operating position toward a transport position, the apparatus comprising a first coupler supported by one of the assembly components and moving along a pathway as the wing frame moves from the operating position toward the transport position, a second coupler supported at least in part within the pathway by at least another of the assembly components, the second coupler operable to couple with the first coupler when the rod is in the latched position and a latch inhibiting member that is manually moveable between a latch inhibiting position and a latch enabling position, when in the inhibiting position, the inhibiting member inhibiting coupling between the first and second couplers so that rod movement with respect to the cylinder along the pathway is unrestricted by the couplers.