Wing Moldboard Support Assembly for Single-Actuator Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support assemblies for wing moldboards are difficult for operators to use without causing unwanted contact between the moldboard and vehicle elements during transitions between working and storage positions, requiring complex coordination of multiple hydraulic cylinders or actuators.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a rearward base, lower and upper booms, and mechanical actuators that allow for controlled movement of the moldboard between ground-proximity and storage configurations using a single actuator input, preventing unwanted contact with the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hydraulic cylinders or actuators are used to control the moldboard position, then the moldboard can be positioned accurately without unwanted contact with vehicle elements, but the device complexity and operator skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single hydraulic cylinder. The single actuator controls both the elevation of the moldboard (via the first link assembly) and the horizontal retraction (via the second link assembly), merging what would traditionally require separate actuators into one integrated system. This reduces device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic actuator performs multiple functions: it elevates the moldboard to avoid ground contact, retracts the moldboard horizontally to avoid vehicle contact, and controls the transition between working and storage positions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized actuators.
2Reliability
If multiple actuators are coordinated to move the moldboard between positions, then unwanted contact with vehicle elements is avoided, but the ease of operation decreases due to required operator skill and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single hydraulic cylinder. The single actuator controls both the elevation of the moldboard (via the first link assembly) and the horizontal retraction (via the second link assembly), merging what would traditionally require separate actuators into one integrated system. This reduces device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic actuator performs multiple functions: it elevates the moldboard to avoid ground contact, retracts the moldboard horizontally to avoid vehicle contact, and controls the transition between working and storage positions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized actuators.
3Productivity
If the moldboard is moved rapidly to storage position during emergency situations, then response time is reduced, but unwanted contact with vehicle elements may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the link assemblies so that during rapid retraction, the moldboard is automatically elevated first by the first link assembly before the second link assembly retracts it horizontally. This preliminary elevation action prevents ground contact during emergency rapid retraction, and the coordinated geometry ensures vehicle element contact is avoided throughout the motion sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic link assemblies that change their geometric configuration during motion. The first and second link assemblies work together to dynamically adjust the moldboard's path during retraction, ensuring it follows a trajectory that avoids both ground and vehicle elements while maintaining high speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for a wing moldboard includes a rearward base securable to a vehicle to pivot about an upright axis, lower and upper booms, a lower-boom mechanical actuator, and a rotation member. The lower boom is pivotably securable to the rearward base. The upper boom has an upper-boom proximal portion pivotably securable to a distal end portion of the lower boom. A lower-boom mechanical actuator drives the lower boom to first and second positions. A rotation member has a proximal portion configured to be operatively engaged with the rearward base, and a distal portion operatively engaged to pivot the upper boom with respect to the lower boom when the lower-boom mechanical actuator drives the lower boom between the first and second positions. A further support assembly for a moldboard includes a support-wheel assembly including a travel-angle frame, a travel-angle actuator, a spindle mount, a spindle, and a wheel-height actuator.