Eccentric Cylindrical Bushing Mount for Harvesting Support Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing root crop harvesting machines face complexity and cost issues due to the need for intricate suspensions and bearings to adjust ploughshares for uneven ground and changing conditions, making control and maintenance difficult.

Innovation Solution

A mounting device with a cylindrical bushing and retaining element allows for easy adjustment of a support arm and lifting tool by rotating the bushing relative to the machine part, enabling movement in various spatial directions and accommodating different crop spacings, with adjustable angles and displacement mechanisms to enhance flexibility and robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex suspensions and bearings are used to adjust ploughshares for uneven ground and changing conditions, then the adaptability of the harvesting machine is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of ploughsharesVSAvoidcomplexity of suspensions and bearings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm is segmented into modular components: a machine part with cylindrical bushing, a support arm with retaining element, and a lifting tool. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component while simplifying the overall structure compared to complex suspensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device enables dynamic adjustment of the support arm position through rotation of the cylindrical bushing relative to the machine part. The axis of symmetry of the through-hole intersects the axis of rotation at an angle, allowing the support arm to be easily repositioned in different spatial directions during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex suspensions and bearings are used to enable movement in all spatial directions, then the range of motion is improved, but the ease of operation and control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of movementVSAvoidease of control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position and orientation of the support arm are adjusted by changing the rotational parameter of the cylindrical bushing. By rotating the bushing around its axis of rotation, the support arm can be positioned at different angles and heights, providing simple control over the range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If intricate bearings and suspensions are used for adjusting digging instruments, then the adaptability to changing conditions is improved, but the ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of digging instrumentsVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm assembly is segmented into modular components that can be independently maintained. The cylindrical bushing, retaining element, and support arm can be inspected and replaced separately, significantly simplifying maintenance compared to intricate bearing assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device uses simple, inexpensive components like the cylindrical bushing and retaining element that can be easily replaced if worn. This approach trades initial component cost for dramatically reduced maintenance complexity and improved ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to accommodate different crop spacings, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of crop spacingsVSAvoidnumber of adjustment mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device accommodates different crop spacings by changing the rotational parameter of the cylindrical bushing. A single rotational adjustment allows the support arm to be positioned at different angles and distances, providing versatility without adding multiple complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The cylindrical bushing mounting device serves multiple functions: it allows angular adjustment, positional adjustment, and accommodation of different crop spacings all through a single mechanism. This multi-functionality provides adaptability while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12035652B2Device for mounting a support arm, which moves a lifting tool, on a harvesting machine

Publication Date: 2024.07.16 REICHHARDT GMBH STEUERUNGSTECHN

AI summary

In the case of a mounting device for mounting a support arm, which moves a lifting tool, on a harvesting machine, a cylindrical bushing is mounted on a machine part. The bushing is enclosed by a retaining element on which the end of the support arm opposite the lifting tool is fixed. The bushing has a through-hole that receives a machine part and has an axis of symmetry extending eccentrically relative to the axis of rotation of the cylindrical bushing.