Wing Hinge Coupling for Foldable Implement Conveyance Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements face damage and increased friction in conveyance lines due to extra length required for folding, leading to kinking, tearing, and wear during conversion between work and transport positions.
Innovation Solution
A wing hinge coupling device that removably couples conveyance line portions between the main frame and wing frame sections, allowing for pivoting and disconnecting to prevent damage and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extra length is provided in the conveyance line at the pivot connection to allow bending and flexing during folding, then the conveyance line can accommodate the movement of the wing frame section, but the conveyance line becomes kinked, torn, stretched, and scuffed, and friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance line is divided into multiple segments: a first portion fixed to the main frame, a second portion fixed to the wing frame, and a removable coupling device connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to remain relatively short and protected while the coupling device accommodates the folding movement, eliminating the need for excessive line length that causes damage.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable coupling device serves as an intermediary component between the first and second portions of the conveyance line. This coupling device pivots relative to the wing frame during folding, acting as a mediator that absorbs the mechanical stress and movement accommodation function, preventing direct stress on the conveyance line itself.
2Volume of moving object
If the wing frame section folds to minimize overall width for transport, then the agricultural implement meets roadway requirements, but the conveyance line experiences increased friction and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the conveyance line system into fixed portions and a removable coupling device, the patent enables the wing frame to fold completely for minimal width during transport without the conveyance line experiencing excessive friction or damage from the folding motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed to pivot dynamically relative to the wing frame during folding operations. This dynamic movement allows the coupling device to accommodate the width-reducing fold while maintaining conveyance line integrity and minimizing friction through controlled motion rather than rigid constraint.
3Loss of energy
If the conveyance line is kept short to reduce friction, then energy loss is minimized, but the line cannot accommodate the bending and flexing required during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the conveyance path into fixed line portions and a movable coupling device. This allows the line portions to remain short (minimizing friction) while the coupling device provides the necessary flexibility and movement accommodation during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable coupling device acts as an intermediary that provides the flexibility and movement accommodation normally requiring long conveyance lines. By placing this intermediary at the pivot connection, the actual conveyance line can be kept short to minimize friction while the intermediary handles the adaptability requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement including a frame with a main frame section and at least one wing frame section such that the agricultural implement is configured for transitioning in between a work position and a transport position, at least one conveyance line, and at least one coupling device. The at least one coupling device includes a first coupling member attached to the first line portion and a second coupling member movably connected to the first coupling member and attached to the second line portion such that the at least one coupling device couples the first line portion and the second line portion of the at least one conveyance line in the work position and uncouples the first line portion and the second line portion of the at least one conveyance line in the transport position.