Center Splitter Rake Wheel Structure for Crop Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rakes lack an effective mechanism to move material from the center location where the final windrow is formed, leading to inefficient drying and harvesting due to material being left on the ground, and current devices are not cost-effective or reliable in constricted spaces.
Innovation Solution
A center splitter assembly with free-rotating rake wheels, each with a modified tine profile and orientation, positioned at a critical spacing to move material in opposite directions, allowing for efficient material lifting and turning under the main frame of the rake, and featuring independent hydraulic lift for optimal ground following and reduced ground pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rake devices are used under the main frame, then material can be moved from the center location, but the devices are not cost-effective or reliable in constricted spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The rake device is divided into multiple independent rake wheels (typically three wheels) that can be individually mounted and adjusted. Each wheel operates independently to move material from the center location, providing reliable coverage while maintaining cost-effective manufacturing through standardized wheel designs that can be produced separately and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The rake wheels are designed with adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow dynamic positioning and spacing. The wheels can be adjusted to accommodate different field conditions and crop types, improving reliability and adaptability. The adjustable design also enables cost-effective manufacturing by using a standardized platform that can be configured for various applications.
2Volume of moving object
If rake wheels are spaced closely together to fit in limited space, then the device fits conveniently onto the rake structure, but the wheels cannot effectively move material in opposite directions
Solution Approach 1:
The rake wheels are positioned and oriented to operate in multiple dimensions simultaneously. The wheels are spaced to allow material flow in opposite directions while maintaining compact overall dimensions. The modified tine profiles and wheel orientations enable the wheels to work together in a coordinated manner, achieving effective material movement from the center location without requiring excessive spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
Each rake wheel has modified tine profiles and orientations optimized for its specific position and function. The local configuration of each wheel is tailored to effectively move material in its designated direction while contributing to the overall compact design. This localized optimization allows the wheels to work together efficiently in limited space.
3Length of moving object
If the center splitter assembly is positioned to extend from the center of the mount frame, then adequate raking distance is achieved, but the assembly requires precise spacing between wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The rake wheels are pre-configured with adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow for easy positioning and spacing during setup. This preliminary preparation enables the operator to adjust the wheel spacing to achieve the desired raking distance without requiring complex precision manufacturing. The adjustable design compensates for manufacturing tolerances and field variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rake wheel assembly incorporates adjustable parameters including wheel spacing, wheel orientation, and tine profile configurations. These parameters can be modified to optimize performance for different field conditions and crop types. The adjustability allows the system to achieve adequate raking distance while accommodating variations in manufacturing precision through field adjustments rather than requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
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
The center splitter assembly effectively lifts and dries material, reducing crop loss and improving harvesting efficiency by ensuring all material is lifted off the ground, increasing tine life and allowing for faster operation and better baler performance, even in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Each rake wheel is configured for free-rotation, i.e., to be powered by contacting the ground as described above
Implementation Method 2
featuring independent hydraulic lift for optimal ground following and reduced ground pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of rake wheels in an assembly is referred to as a center splitter assembly. Each rake wheel is configured for free-rotation, meaning it is powered by contacting the ground. The center splitter is used to separate material, each wheel moving material in a different direction. The rake wheel on the left side of the center splitter assembly will rotate in a clockwise direction, as viewed from behind the wheel, which will cause the material to move from the right to the left. The opposite applies to the rake wheel on the right side of the center splitter assembly, where it will rotate counter-clockwise, moving material from the left to the right. Since these rake wheels are attempting to move material in opposite directions, the spacing between the wheels has been found to be critical.