Basket Rake Multi-Function Valve Hydraulic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing basket rakes for harvesting hay and agricultural products lack efficient hydraulic control systems, leading to difficulties in independent operation and maintenance, which can result in damage and increased wear on components.
Innovation Solution
A basket rake design incorporating a multi-function valve that hydraulically controls the extension, retraction, rotation, and positioning of baskets, along with drive motors, using a control box to manage hydraulic fluid flow and solenoid valves, and features like hose tracks and double shear angle mounts for protection and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional hydraulic control system is used in basket rakes, then the system structure is simple, but the operational control precision and independence of multiple functions are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-function valve that integrates multiple control functions into a single hydraulic control unit. This valve can independently control extension, retraction, rotation, and positioning of baskets through a unified hydraulic system, achieving precise control of multiple functions simultaneously while managing system complexity through functional integration
2Productivity
If hydraulic actuators are used for independent control of basket functions, then the operational efficiency and control independence are improved, but the wear and damage risk to control lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates hose tracks that guide and protect control lines along predetermined paths, preventing accidental damage during basket extension and retraction operations. Additionally, the system includes protective routing of hydraulic lines and structural features that cushion against potential impacts, reducing wear and damage risk before failures occur
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-function valve serves as an intermediary control element that centralizes hydraulic fluid distribution to multiple actuators. This centralized control mechanism reduces the complexity of individual control lines and provides a single point for monitoring and maintaining system reliability, while still enabling independent control of all basket functions
3Ease of operation
If multiple hydraulic actuators control different basket functions independently, then the ease of operation and maintenance are improved, but the hydraulic fluid flow management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-function valve integrates control for extension, retraction, rotation, and positioning functions into a single hydraulic control unit with multiple output ports. This allows independent control of all basket functions through one valve body, simplifying the operator interface while managing internal hydraulic complexity through integrated valve design
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic control system is segmented into distinct control circuits within the multi-function valve, with separate control lines for each actuator function. This segmentation allows independent operation of each basket function while maintaining organized hydraulic flow paths, making both operation and maintenance more manageable
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances operational efficiency, reduces wear and tear, and improves safety by allowing precise control of basket functions, limiting hydraulic fluid flow, and protecting control lines, while enabling easy maintenance and adaptability to different tractor flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-function valve hydraulically coupled to each of the plurality of control lines, wherein the multi-function valve is configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the tractor and further configured to control flow of hydraulic fluid independently to each of the plurality of hydraulic actuators
Implementation Method 2
The multi-function valve may include a plurality of solenoid valves configured to control flow of hydraulic fluid independently to each of the plurality of control lines
Implementation Method 3
the basket rake may further include a hose track configured to reduce a likelihood of damage to at least one of the plurality of control lines that extends between the multi-function valve and at least one of the plurality of actuators on the right basket during extension or retraction of the left extension frame
Implementation Method 4
the right basket may be coupled to an end of the right extension frame via a double shear angle mount
Data Source
AI summary
A basket rake includes a main frame configured to be coupled to a tractor, a left basket coupled to the main frame via a left extension frame, a right basket coupled to the main frame via a right extension frame, a plurality of hydraulic actuators, a plurality of control lines, and a multi-function valve. Each of the plurality of control lines is hydraulically coupled to one of the plurality of actuators. The multi-function valve is hydraulically coupled to each of the plurality of control lines and is configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the tractor and control flow of hydraulic fluid independently to each of the plurality of hydraulic actuators via the plurality of control lines to extend or retract the extension frames, rotate the left or right baskets, raise or lower the left or right baskets, and operate drive motors of the left and right baskets.