Forward-Attached Swather Rake Assembly for Hay Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hay raking methods using tractor-attached rakes lead to operator fatigue, limited visibility, slow speeds, and increased tractor usage, resulting in hay damage and higher operational costs, especially due to the need for multiple passes and separate equipment for raking and conditioning/processing.

Innovation Solution

A swather-based hay raking system with a rake assembly attachable to the front, featuring pivotally coupled arm assemblies and parabolic curved tool bars, allowing for adjustable rake positions and simultaneous raking and processing, reducing the need for rearward monitoring and enabling faster, more efficient hay handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tractor-attached rake is used for hay raking, then the raking function is achieved, but operator fatigue increases and visibility is limited due to constant body twisting and rearward monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator comfortVSAvoidraking efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional rearward-raking configuration by implementing a forward-rake system attached to the front of the tractor. This allows the operator to rake hay while facing forward, eliminating the need for constant body twisting and rearward monitoring, thereby reducing operator fatigue while maintaining raking functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a long-reaching rake arm as an intermediary mechanism that extends the rake head forward beyond the tractor's front bumper. This intermediary structure allows the operator to perform raking operations in the forward direction while maintaining a comfortable seated position, resolving the conflict between operator comfort and raking effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a tractor-attached rake is used, then raking can be performed, but the tractor runs over the hay causing leaf loss and windrow damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehay qualityVSAvoidhay damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the raking function from the tractor's rear area and relocates it to the front of the tractor using a forward-attached rake system. This separation allows the tractor to pull the rake without running over the hay, eliminating the harmful effect of tractor wheels damaging windrows while maintaining productive raking operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The forward rake position allows hay to be raked into windrows before the tractor reaches them, preventing the tractor from running over freshly formed windrows. The rake performs the consolidation action in advance, protecting the hay from subsequent tractor passage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If separate equipment is used for raking and conditioning/processing, then each function can be performed dedicatedly, but multiple passes are required leading to increased field compaction and operational costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidequipment configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple hay handling functions (raking, conditioning, and processing) into a single integrated forward-attached system. This merging allows all operations to be performed in one pass, reducing field compaction and operational costs while the modular design maintains functional dedication for each task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The forward rake system is designed with universal capabilities to perform multiple functions including raking, conditioning, and processing. The system can be configured to handle different hay management tasks, reducing the need for separate dedicated equipment while maintaining operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the rear raking system is used, then raking can be performed, but difficulty is encountered in accessing corner parts of the field and making tight turns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield maneuverabilityVSAvoidraking coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the rake position from rear to front, the system gains superior maneuverability for accessing field corners and making tight turns. The forward position allows the tractor to pivot more effectively without the rake interfering with turning radius, while the long rake arm maintains coverage of corner areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9788490B2Swather rake attachment assembly and hay handling system

Publication Date: 2017.10.17 LEJORDAN CORP

AI summary

A swather rake attachment assembly that quick connects to a front of a swather and includes two rake arms that each include lateral holding arm pivot connections to a base frame where the lateral arms are each pivotally coupled to arched reinforcement members by a torsion assembly that is coupled to a parabolic curved tool bar that includes the parabolic curved tool bar and arched reinforcement members, and includes a Z-bar coupling of the two rake arms together that control the height of the arm rake assemblies.