Agricultural Wing Hinge Linkage for Vertical Transport Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge mechanisms for agricultural equipment wings fail to efficiently fold to a vertical orientation for transport, leading to limitations in transportability and safety.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism utilizing a four-bar linkage with a track plate, wing plate, sub-hinge plate, and links, allowing the wing to pivot between horizontal and vertical orientations, and a hydraulic actuator to lock the wing in place during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hinge mechanism is used to connect the wing to the chassis, then the structure is simple, but the wing cannot efficiently fold to a vertical orientation for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple components: track plate mounted to chassis, wing plate connected to wing, sub-hinge plate, and multiple links (first link, second link, third link). This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function in the folding sequence, enabling the wing to reach vertical orientation while keeping individual parts manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses a dynamic four-bar linkage system with movable links and pivot points that transitions the wing through different orientations. The roller that moves along the curved track provides dynamic adaptation during the folding process, allowing smooth transition from horizontal to vertical position
2Reliability
If the wing is allowed to pivot freely during transport, then ease of operation is improved, but sudden movements and safety issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuator is positioned and configured in advance to engage with the linkage mechanism at specific points during the folding process. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the wing reaches the vertical orientation, the actuator is ready to lock it in place, preventing sudden movements during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic actuator serves as an intermediary between the wing linkage mechanism and the locking function. It translates hydraulic force into mechanical locking action, providing controlled stabilization of the wing in both horizontal and vertical orientations without requiring direct manual intervention
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wing is locked in fixed position during operation, then stability is improved, but adaptability to terrain variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed to be dynamic during field operation, allowing the wing to pivot and adapt to uneven terrain while maintaining functional stability. The linkage system provides controlled movement rather than rigid fixation, enabling the wing to follow ground contours while performing its agricultural function
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented linkage mechanism with multiple pivot points allows different parts of the wing assembly to move independently in response to terrain variations, providing localized adaptation while maintaining overall structural stability for effective agricultural operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A Mobile agricultural equipment (100) comprises: a main frame (112) defining a track (212); a wing frame (122) having a roller (260) rotatably mounted thereon; and a hinge mechanism (220) movably coupling the main frame (112) with the wing frame (122) such that the wing frame (122) is movable relative to the main frame (112) between a first orientation and a second orientation, the hinge mechanism (220) comprising: a sub-hinge plate (230) pivotably coupled with the main frame (112); a first link (240) pivotably coupled to each of the wing frame (122) and the sub-hinge plate (230); and a second link (250) pivotably coupled to each of the wing frame (122) and the sub-hinge plate (230); wherein the roller (260) is configured to travel along the track (212) during a portion of a movement of the wing frame (122) between the first orientation and the second orientation to thereby provide support for the wing frame (122).