Forage Harvester Frame Assembly with Force-Locking Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional forage harvester frame assemblies are prone to structural failure under high and recurring load conditions due to weak points at welded joints, leading to significant downtime and repair costs.
Innovation Solution
A forage harvester frame assembly design featuring two longitudinal frame elements connected by a transverse frame strut, with clamping bearings supporting the chopper drum assembly, and a force-locking and/or form-locking connection at common fastening points to enhance load capacity and maintainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If welded joints are used to connect frame components, then the frame assembly can be manufactured with simple processes, but the structural reliability deteriorates under high and recurring load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is divided into modular components (frame elements, transverse frame strut, clamping bearings) that can be connected and disconnected independently. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection method is changed from welded (permanent) to mechanically connectable (reversible) joints. This parameter change in the connection type enables both high load capacity during operation and easy disassembly for maintenance, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and structural reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If welded frame assemblies are used, then initial manufacturing is simplified, but repair complexity increases significantly when structural failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the frame into modular components with standardized mechanical connections, individual parts can be replaced without affecting the entire structure. This reduces repair complexity from complete frame dismantling to simple component swapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows damaged frame components to be easily discarded and replaced with new or refurbished parts through simple mechanical disconnection. This principle enables rapid recovery of the forage harvester with minimal repair effort and cost.
3Strength
If traditional welded frame structures are used, then structural integrity can be maintained, but maintenance time increases due to complex disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The frame connection system transitions from a static welded structure to a dynamic mechanically connected structure that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This maintains structural integrity during operation while enabling rapid maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing the connection parameter from permanent welds to reversible mechanical joints fundamentally alters the maintenance characteristics, reducing disassembly time from hours or days to minutes or seconds while preserving load-bearing capacity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a forage harvester (1) with a frame assembly (12). The frame assembly (12) comprises two frame elements (13) extending longitudinally along the forage harvester (1), a frame element (14) arranged transversely along the forage harvester (1) between the longitudinally extending frame elements (13), and two clamping bearings (15) for supporting a chopping drum assembly (3). Each clamping bearing (15) is associated with one of the longitudinally extending frame elements (13).The forage harvester (1) is characterized in that the frame element (14) arranged in the transverse direction of the forage harvester (1) is connected in at least one common fastening point (18a) by means of force and/or form locking with a frame element (13) extending in the longitudinal direction of the forage harvester (1) and a clamping bearing (15) assigned to the respective frame element (13) extending in the longitudinal direction of the forage harvester (1).