Eccentric Flange Device for Adjustable Ground Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled working machines, particularly agricultural harvesting machines, face challenges in maintaining optimal performance due to height differences caused by varying ground-engaging means, leading to disturbances in crop flow and inefficient weight distribution, which existing height adjustment mechanisms fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled working machine with a chassis featuring an eccentric flange device on the vehicle axle that allows for adjustable attachment of ground-engaging means, enabling height adjustment and improved load distribution through a pivoting flange plate that can switch between upper and lower positions to accommodate different ground-engaging means sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ground engaging means with very different heights are attached to one type of machine, then the machine can adapt to different field conditions and ground clearance requirements, but the distance between the working machine and the ground increases and thus also the angle between the harvesting machine front-mounted harvesting attachment and the intake unit, causing disturbances in the flow of crops
Solution Approach 1:
The flange device is designed to be rotatable relative to the support frame, allowing dynamic adjustment of the ground-engaging means height. This enables the machine to adapt to different field conditions while maintaining optimal working angles through active repositioning rather than fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange device is pre-configured with multiple attachment positions that correspond to different ground-engaging means heights. Before operation, the appropriate position can be selected and locked, ensuring optimal performance is prepared in advance for specific field conditions rather than requiring adjustment during operation.
2Length of stationary object
If ground engaging means with larger diameters are used, then a large ground clearance can be created, but the angle between the harvesting machine front-mounted harvesting attachment and the intake unit increases, causing disturbances in the flow of crops
Solution Approach 1:
The flange device allows the ground-engaging means to be dynamically repositioned to different heights on the support frame. This enables the system to achieve large ground clearance when needed while maintaining optimal working angles for crop flow by adjusting the vertical position of the ground-engaging means relative to the chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is segmented with multiple attachment points at different heights, allowing the ground-engaging means to be positioned independently at optimal locations. This segmentation enables separate optimization of ground clearance and working angle without compromising either parameter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing height adjustment mechanisms are used, then the chassis can be adjusted for different field properties, but the adjustment range is narrowly limited and the mechanisms are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flange device utilizes a simple rotational mechanism that allows the ground-engaging means to be repositioned to multiple heights by rotating the flange relative to the support frame. This dynamic adjustment capability provides extensive height variation range without requiring complex hydraulic or mechanical adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange device serves multiple functions: it provides height adjustment, maintains structural support, and enables easy reconfiguration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while expanding adjustment capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The machine has a chassis (2) comprising a vehicle axis (7), which comprises support devices (8). The support devices include two support frames (10) and a unit (9) for accommodating and storing ground penetrating units (3) e.g. wheels, that support the machine against ground. The support devices comprise an adjusting device for height-changeable attachment of the unit for accommodating and storing ground penetrating units based on height of the ground penetrating units. The ground penetrating units are formed as track assemblies.