Eccentric Mount Floatation Adjustment for Mower Cutter Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable skid shoes on pull-type mowers complicate the optimization of floatation force when adjusting cutter bar height, as they reduce the ground contact area and elongation of floatation springs, leading to inconsistent floatation settings.
Innovation Solution
A floatation adjustment device featuring an eccentric mount with a polygonal or circular perimeter, linked to a shaft and perch, allows for precise adjustment of floatation force by varying the tension in the spring assembly, maintaining consistent suspension force across different cutter bar heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adjustable skid shoes are used to quickly adjust cutter bar height, then ease of operation is improved, but floatation force consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floatation mechanism incorporates an adjustable linkage system that dynamically modifies the geometric relationship between the skid shoe and floatation spring. As the skid shoe angle changes during height adjustment, the linkage automatically adjusts the spring elongation to maintain consistent floatation force, transforming a static spring system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the floatation mechanism based on skid shoe position. By varying the linkage configuration and spring elongation in response to skid shoe angle changes, the system maintains optimal floatation force across different cutter bar heights, effectively using parameter changes to resolve the contradiction between adjustability and consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If skid shoes are adjusted to lower positions for lower cut heights, then adaptability is improved, but floatation force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable linkage system dynamically compensates for the reduced spring elongation that occurs when skid shoes are positioned lower. By modifying the geometric configuration of the linkage, the system maintains adequate spring tension and floatation force across the full range of cut heights, enabling adaptability without sacrificing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism introduces asymmetric geometric relationships that compensate for the symmetric reduction in spring elongation. The linkage arms are positioned and dimensioned to create a mechanical advantage that restores floatation force when skid shoes are at lower positions, using asymmetric design to counterbalance the symmetric force loss.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable skid shoes with smaller ground contact area are used, then ease of operation is improved, but ground force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the floatation force parameter in response to skid shoe position changes. By adjusting the linkage geometry and spring elongation based on skid shoe angle, the system compensates for the increased ground force caused by reduced contact area, maintaining optimal operating conditions throughout the adjustment range.
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
Enables rapid and precise adjustments to floatation settings, reducing skid shoe wear, frame and header component wear, and ground damage while maintaining optimal floatation force, even with large adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
floatation springs which compensate for a portion of the weight of the cutter bar
Implementation Method 2
a shaft and an eccentric mount comprising a center axis... The at least one linkage point is not concentric to the center axis
Data Source
AI summary
An eccentric mount is used to adjust floatation force applied to a cutter bar of a pull type mower when the cut height of the cutter bar is changed. The eccentric mount is rotated to increase or decrease the tension on springs suspending the cutter bar. The eccentric mount is calibrated to adjust incrementally in relation to the position of the skid shoes to provide a floatation force to the cutter bar appropriate to the cutter height as determined by the spring shoe setting.