Flexible Strut Rake for Adjustable Inclination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rakes face difficulties in adjusting the inclination of the rake rotor, making it complex and time-consuming, especially in field conditions, which results in suboptimal swath shape and potential harvest losses.
Innovation Solution
A rake design featuring a flexible strut and adjustable means that allows the holder to tilt relative to the ground, enabling precise adjustment of the rake rotor's inclination by bending the strut, which changes the distance of the tines from the ground, optimizing the swath shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inclination of the rake rotor is adjusted by removing and reattaching feeler wheels to different holes in a perforated grid plate, then the inclination can be changed, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, discrete hole-position adjustment system into a dynamic, continuous adjustment system. The feeler wheel is mounted on a strut that can be positioned at any location along the longitudinal extension, enabling continuous inclination adjustment rather than discrete step changes. This dynamic positioning mechanism significantly reduces adjustment time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the adjustment function into two independent components: the feeler wheel remains fixed on the strut, while the strut itself becomes the adjustable element. This segmentation allows the strut to be independently positioned along its longitudinal axis, separating the mounting function from the positioning function and enabling faster, more flexible adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inclination adjustment requires removing and reattaching feeler wheels to different positions, then inclination change is possible, but the complexity of the adjustment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex discrete adjustment mechanism (perforated grid with multiple holes) with a simpler continuous adjustment mechanism. The strut's longitudinal extension provides a continuous adjustment range, eliminating the need for multiple discrete mounting positions and reducing overall mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The strut serves multiple functions: it supports the feeler wheel, provides the adjustment mechanism through its longitudinal positioning, and acts as a structural link between the frame and the feeler wheel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment components, simplifying the overall mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustment methods are used, then inclination can be modified, but the optimal inclination is difficult to achieve resulting in suboptimal swath shape
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous adjustment capability along the strut's longitudinal extension allows for precise inclination setting. The operator can position the feeler wheel at any point along the strut, enabling fine-tuned adjustment to achieve the optimal inclination for perfect swath shape, rather than being constrained to discrete hole positions.
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
The solution allows for easy and precise adjustment of the rake rotor's inclination, ensuring a box-shaped swath cross-section, enhancing the efficiency of crop collection and utilization by subsequent harvesters.
Implementation Method 1
the strut (31) is at least partially designed to be flexurally elastic, and the frame (30) has an adjusting means (33) for applying a compressive or a tensile force to the strut (31), wherein the strut (31) bends elastically by adjusting the adjusting means (33)
Data Source
Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)
Figure 2(a)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rake with • a rotary rake rotatable about an axis of rotation, which has tine arms on each of which a plurality of tines for grasping straw are arranged, and • a chassis comprising a frame and at least one pair of gauge wheels, and which is provided for adjusting a distance of the rotary rake from the ground, • wherein a holder for attaching the rotary rake to the chassis is arranged on the frame, which extends in the direction of the axis of rotation, and wherein the frame has at least one strut on which one of the gauge wheels of the pair is arranged, or both gauge wheels of the pair are arranged.wherein the strut is at least partially designed to be flexible, and the frame has an adjusting means for applying a compressive or tensile force to the strut, wherein the strut bends elastically by adjusting the adjusting means, wherein an arrangement of the at least one gauge wheel or the gauge wheels of the pair relative to the holder changes, and the holder tilts relative to the ground. The present invention further relates to a method for adjusting the tilt of a rotary rake of a windrower.