Flexible Retractable Protection for Haymaking Machine Rotors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide haymaking machines with more than six rotors face challenges in folding protection mechanisms due to complexity and space constraints, preventing efficient transport and operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of flexible protection means, comprising retractable portions that automatically wind or slide into a compact position during transport, eliminating the need for articulation or control rods and allowing adaptation to various folding methods, ensuring unobstructed rotor movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid protection bars are used in front of the rotors, then protective function is provided, but they constitute obstacles preventing significant approach towards the middle of the machine during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The protection means are made dynamic by replacing rigid bars with flexible portions that can change their configuration between working and transport positions. The flexible portions automatically adapt their shape and position based on the folding state, allowing the machine to transition smoothly from operational to transport mode without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible portions (such as flexible bars, chains, or ropes) instead of rigid protection structures. These flexible elements maintain their protective function while being able to bend, fold, and retract automatically, eliminating the obstruction problem of rigid bars during the folding operation.
2Ease of operation
If protection bars are made in several articulated segments, then folding space is freed up, but the complexity of the folding modes and control rods increases significantly for machines with more than six rotors
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible protection portions are designed to be self-servicing, automatically retracting and deploying based on the folding action of the side parts themselves. The flexible portions respond passively to the mechanical movements, eliminating the need for active control rods, motors, or complex articulation mechanisms while still achieving the desired folding clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control mechanism entirely from the protection system by using flexible portions that automatically adapt to folding movements. Instead of incorporating active control elements (motors, sensors, control rods), the solution removes these complex components and relies on the inherent flexibility and passive response of the protection elements to the folding action.
3Volume of moving object
If flexible portions are used for protection, then space is reduced during transport, but protective function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible portions dynamically adjust their state based on operational requirements. During transport, they retract to minimize space occupation, while during operation, they automatically deploy to their full protective length. This dynamic behavior ensures both compact transport dimensions and adequate protective function are achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portions are pre-tensioned or pre-positioned using springs or elastic elements, enabling them to automatically deploy to their protective position when the side parts are in the working configuration. This preliminary preparation ensures the protective function is immediately available when needed without requiring additional active control mechanisms.
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
This solution enables easy implementation and efficient space reduction, allowing for seamless folding and deployment of wide haymaking machines, enhancing their transportability and operational flexibility without interfering with rotor movements.
Implementation Method 1
This retraction operation is advantageously carried out under the action of a spring
Implementation Method 2
They are then stretched, which allows them to perform the protective function
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a haying machine comprising a frame (1) consisting of a longitudinal structure (2) which is more or less central and to be connected to a tractor, and a transversal structure (3) which is provided with a plurality of rotors (13) for moving plant material on the ground and comprises lateral parts (6 and 7) which can be deployed in a working position and folded away in a transport position. The invention is characterised in that it comprises protection means (17) arranged at the front of each lateral part (6, 7), said protection means consisting of at least one flexible part (18, 19) that can be automatically retracted when folded away into the transport position.