Adjustable Rake Assembly for Single-Pass Material Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for raking and baling materials require multiple passes and separate equipment, increasing operational costs and complexity, especially when dealing with large areas.
Innovation Solution
A rake assembly with adjustable wings and a driveline that allows for simultaneous raking and baling in a single pass, using a T-shaped frame with couplers for connecting to a tractor and baler, and hydraulic systems for adjusting wing positions to accommodate varying field widths and facilitating transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate equipment and multiple passes are used for raking and baling, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but operational costs and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a rake assembly and baler into a single integrated system that performs both raking and baling operations simultaneously in one pass. The rake assembly with adjustable wings gathers material while the baler processes it, eliminating the need for separate equipment passes and reducing operational time and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions (raking and baling) using a single piece of equipment. The rake assembly can be configured for different field widths and the baler processes the material immediately after gathering, making the system versatile for various operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated tractor and operator are assigned to each machine, then each operation receives focused attention, but expense and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the rake and baler into a single integrated system, the patent reduces the number of separate equipment management tasks. One tractor and operator can manage the combined system, simplifying operational complexity while maintaining focused attention on the material handling process.
3Productivity
If multiple passes are required to address entire field area, then complete coverage can be achieved, but operational duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated rake and baler system processes material across the entire field width in a single pass, eliminating the need for multiple sequential passes. This dramatically increases field coverage rate and reduces total operation duration while ensuring complete coverage.
4Area of moving object
If rake assembly wings are extended to cover larger area, then more material can be processed per pass, but equipment becomes harder to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The rake assembly wings are designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing the system to extend to large working widths during field operations and retract to compact configurations for transportation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between processing area and transportability.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable rake assembly for raking and baling material in a single pass is provided. In particular, a rake assembly is provided that includes a frame and two movable wings configured to be moved to at least one transport position, in which the wings are disposed proximate a main axial member of the frame in a folded arrangement. A rake assembly is also provided wherein at least one rake is configured to be moved with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position via a telescoping rake connection and a rotating rake connection. The position of the wings and/or rakes may be changed via a control system.