Hairpin Shaker Mount with Flat and Convex Arc Fixing Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shaker designs for harvesting machines are unreliable and costly, particularly due to inadequate fixing techniques that can cause trellis damage and require frequent assembly/disassembly, failing to optimize shaker positioning and adjustment for different grape varieties.

Innovation Solution

A hairpin-shaped shaker with axially oriented flat and convex cylinder arc sections, coupled with an elastically deformable sheet metal fixing flange, allows for precise clamping and adjustment without modifying existing devices, ensuring reliable and stable attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If shakers are fixed using traditional bolting or riveting methods, then the fixing appears secure, but the mounting requires numerous assembly and disassembly operations and is too expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shaker is divided into modular components with standardized fixing sections that can be independently mounted and dismounted. The fixing section with flat and convex cylindrical arc surfaces allows for quick attachment to complementary concave housings, enabling rapid assembly without complex bolting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing mechanism transitions from rigid permanent fixation (bolting/riveting) to a dynamic system allowing repeated mounting and dismounting. The elastic deformable sheet metal fixing flange enables flexible attachment that can be quickly adjusted and repositioned multiple times during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If shakers are fixed using dedicated tubular mounts, then the mounting is simplified, but the solution is insufficiently reliable in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidfixing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system combines elastic deformable sheet metal for the fixing flange with rigid structural components for the shaker fixing sections. This composite approach provides both ease of mounting through elastic deformation and reliable secure fixation through the interlocking flat and convex cylindrical arc geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If shakers are positioned in fixed locations, then the structure is simple, but the distance between shakers cannot be modified for different grape varieties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidshaker positioning adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shaker mounting system transitions from fixed static positions to dynamically adjustable locations. The standardized fixing sections with specific geometric features enable shakers to be mounted at multiple predefined locations along the oscillating support, allowing distance adjustment for different grape varieties while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixing methods are used, then existing shaking devices can be equipped with new shakers, but frequent assembly and disassembly is required for optimal adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaker adjustment capabilityVSAvoidassembly disassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shaker fixing sections are pre-configured with specific geometric features (flat surfaces and convex cylindrical arcs) that complement corresponding concave housings in the mounting structure. This preliminary design enables quick snap-fit or clamp-based attachment without requiring time-consuming assembly operations during field adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides a reliable and cost-effective shaker mounting system that allows for precise adjustment and positioning, preventing trellis damage and enhancing harvesting efficiency without altering existing equipment.

Implementation Method 1

The fixing flange is made of sheet metal which is elastically deformable during the assembly and fixing operations of the fixing section on the support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3488682B1Improved shaker element mount, and shaker for harvesting comprising such
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 GREGOIRE
  • EP3488682B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3488682B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3488682B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention provides a shaking element (22) for a lateral shaking device for a harvesting machine, consisting of a rod (26) folded back on itself in the shape of a hairpin, each of whose two axial end sections is a fixing section (24) of the folded rod (26), characterized in that at least one fixing section (24) of the folded rod (26) has an axially oriented flat surface (28) and a convex cylindrical arc-shaped portion of its external surface (30). The fixing is ensured by means of a complementary clamping flange (32) secured by clamping onto a support (10, 12).