Center-Delivery Rake Linkage for Single Windrow Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rake implements configured as center delivery systems lack flexibility in operating configurations, often failing to optimally form a single windrow with cut crop material due to fixed arm positions, which can result in incomplete disturbance or improper windrow formation based on crop density and volume.
Innovation Solution
A rake implement with a frame and interchangeable linkage systems for arms that allow multiple operating positions, enabling adjustable angles and positions to accommodate varying crop densities and volumes, forming a single windrow regardless of crop conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single operating configuration is used for center delivery rake implement, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the implement cannot optimally form a single windrow under varying crop density and volume conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the arm positions adjustable rather than fixed. The linkage systems allow the first and second arms to be repositioned between multiple operating positions, enabling the implement to adapt to varying crop conditions. This transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can change its configuration based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the implement by allowing the arms to be positioned at different angles and locations. By adjusting the position of the first and second arms relative to the frame, the implement can modify its operating geometry to optimize windrow formation for different crop densities and volumes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rearward ends of the left and right arms are spaced apart in a V-shaped operating position, then the structure is stable for transport, but the crop material at the apex is not disturbed and may not form a single windrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the arms to dynamically change their relative positions. The linkage systems allow the first and second arms to move from a spaced-apart V-shape configuration to overlapping positions, transforming the implement from a stable transport configuration to a productive operating configuration that actively disturbs and combines crop material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the implement into separate first and second arms with independent linkage systems, allowing each arm to be positioned independently. This segmentation enables the arms to be spaced apart for stability during transport, then repositioned to overlap for productive crop material disturbance and windrow formation.
3Length of moving object
If the distance between the rearward ends of the left and right arms is too great, then the implement is stable for transport, but the crop material may not be formed into a single windrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the arm spacing adjustable through the linkage systems. The first and second arms can be positioned at varying distances from each other, allowing the implement to maintain a wide stable configuration for transport, then reduce the distance between arms to overlap their rake systems for effective single windrow formation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating configurations are provided for different operating scenarios, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multiple operating configurations through universal linkage systems that can position the first and second arms in various positions. Rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each configuration, the linkage systems provide multi-functionality, allowing the same structural elements to serve multiple positioning purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the positioning functions for the first and second arms into integrated linkage systems that are interconnected. By merging the control and structural elements, the patent reduces overall complexity compared to having separate independent positioning mechanisms for each arm.
Data Source
AI summary
A rake implement includes a first arm and a second arm. A first linkage system interconnects and is selectively configurable to position the first arm in a travel position, a first operating position, and a second operating position. A second linkage system is selectively configurable to position the second arm in a travel position, a first operating position and a second operating position. The first arm and the second arm may be positioned in different respective operating positions to provide different rake configurations for different field conditions.