Extendable Reel Arms for Non-Circular Cam Track Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional harvesting reel assemblies struggle to effectively track non-circular cam tracks, limiting the reach and efficiency of crop material collection during the harvesting process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of extendable reel arms connected to a cam assembly with a non-circular cam track, allowing the reel arms to extend and retract as the central rotatable shaft rotates, ensuring optimal engagement and collection of crops by matching the non-circular path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional circular path reel arms are used, then the structure is simple, but the crop collection reach and efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reel arm structure transitions from a fixed circular path to a dynamic extendable configuration. The reel arm includes an extendable component that can change its length during rotation, allowing it to adapt to the non-circular cam track path and reach further into the crop material for improved collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The extendable reel arm employs a telescopic or nested structure where one arm component is inserted within another. This nesting arrangement allows the reel arm to extend beyond its base length when needed for crop engagement, then retract to a compact configuration, effectively increasing reach without permanently increasing structural complexity.
2Length of moving object
If extendable reel arms tracking non-circular cam track are implemented, then the crop reach is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cam track mechanism serves as an intermediary element between the power source and the extendable reel arm. The non-circular cam track converts rotational motion into the desired extendable motion pattern, allowing the reel arm to follow a complex non-circular path without requiring complex direct actuation of the arm itself. The cam track acts as a mechanical mediator that simplifies the control of extension movements.
3Productivity
If reel arms extend further into crop, then the grasping efficiency improves, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable reel arm system utilizes the existing rotational motion and cam track geometry to automatically control the extension and retraction of the arm. The mechanism serves itself by converting the rotational input directly into the required extendable motion pattern through the cam profile, eliminating the need for separate control systems or additional actuators on each reel arm, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving improved grasping efficiency.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A harvesting reel assembly for a header of an agricultural harvester is disclosed. The harvesting reel assembly includes a central rotatable shaft, a plurality of support members, a cam assembly and an extendable reel arm. The plurality of support members extend widthwise across the reel assembly and connect to the central rotatable shaft for rotation therewith. The cam assembly guides rotation of the plurality of support members. The extendable reel arm includes a first end engaged with the central rotatable shaft for rotation therewith. The extendable reel arm also includes a distal end opposite the first end connected to one of the plurality of support members.