Haymaking Machine Deflector Linkage for Impact Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural haymaking machines face damage and operational issues due to deflector collisions with obstacles during operation, particularly when maneuvering in tight spaces or reversing, leading to increased mechanical stress and repair costs.

Innovation Solution

The connecting device allows the deflector to move longitudinally opposite to the machine's direction of movement when a force threshold is exceeded, dissipating impact energy and reducing mechanical stress, while maintaining the deflector in its operational position during work, and includes an upward translation component to raise the deflector over obstacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the deflector is located at low height in operational position to form windrow, then the windrow formation function is improved, but the risk of collision with obstacles increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindrow formation functionVSAvoidcollision risk with obstacles

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector is designed to be movable relative to the working unit through the connecting device, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between operational (low height) and protective (retracted) states based on working conditions and obstacle presence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device incorporates energy dissipation mechanisms that cushion the impact before it reaches the deflector and frame, reducing damage from unavoidable collisions with obstacles or dense windrows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Manufacturing precision

If the deflector is fixed in operational position to maintain windrow formation, then the windrow width precision is improved, but the mechanical stress from impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindrow width precisionVSAvoidmechanical stress resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device allows the deflector to move longitudinally when impact forces exceed a threshold, absorbing mechanical stress while maintaining precise positioning during normal operation through controlled mobility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device changes the mechanical state of the deflector from fixed to movable based on the magnitude of applied forces, allowing position parameter to vary dynamically with impact intensity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the deflector is allowed to move freely to avoid damage, then the protection from impact is improved, but the windrow formation precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from impactVSAvoidwindrow formation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device controls the deflector's position parameter to remain stable during normal operation (maintaining windrow precision) while allowing movement when impact forces exceed the threshold (providing protection)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If the connecting device is rigid to maintain deflector position, then the operational stability is improved, but the damage from collision increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidcollision damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device transitions from a rigid state during normal operation (providing stability) to a compliant state during impact (absorbing energy), combining both stability and protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device is designed with energy dissipation capabilities that activate before severe damage occurs, cushioning the impact forces that would otherwise be transmitted to the deflector and frame

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2929774B1Haymaking machine equipped with an improved deflector

Publication Date: 2017.07.12 KUHN SA

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an agricultural machine (1) for harvesting fodder comprising a frame (2) carrying a working unit (7) capable of occupying a working position in which it can pick up plants from the ground (S) and move them laterally, a lateral deflector (19) being connected to the frame (2) via a linking device (20) allowing the deflector (19) to occupy an operational position relative to the working unit (7), in which the deflector (19) can receive plants moved laterally by the working unit (7).According to the invention, the linkage device (20) is configured so that, while the machine (1) moves in a direction (D) and the work unit (7) is in working position, the deflector (19) can make at least one displacement relative to the work unit (7) from the operating position, longitudinally in a direction opposite to said direction (D) of displacement, when a resultant of a force exerted on the deflector (19) exceeds a determined threshold.