Harvest Scale Fixing Plate Recess Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of harvest receiving devices with inflatable scales for obstacle avoidance suffers from leaks at screw passage orifices and complex assembly, especially when scales need regular replacement.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fixing plate with a central through recess capable of receiving a longitudinal section of the inflatable flexible envelope, eliminating the need for screw holes and simplifying assembly by pinching the inflatable tube within the recesses of the fixing flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to fix the inflatable tube to the fixing plate, then the scale can be securely attached to the support, but leaks occur at the screw passage orifices and the assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful element (screw holes) from the system by eliminating the need for through-orifices in the inflatable tube. Instead of passing screws through the tube creating leak paths, the tube is pinched and secured within recesses of the fixing plate, removing the source of leaks entirely while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable tube is nested within the recesses of the fixing plate, with the tube positioned inside the recess cavities and secured by pinching against the recess walls. This nesting arrangement provides secure fixation without requiring the tube to be pierced, thus preventing leaks while maintaining attachment strength
2Strength
If screws are used to fix the inflatable tube to the fixing plate, then the scale can be securely attached to the support, but the assembly and fixing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing plate is segmented with multiple recesses that independently receive and secure sections of the inflatable tube. This segmentation allows the tube to be fixed at multiple discrete locations along its length, providing secure attachment while simplifying the assembly process compared to aligning and fastening through-hole screws
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the complex screw fastening operation from the assembly process. By replacing through-hole screw fixation with a pinching mechanism within recesses, the assembly becomes simpler as it eliminates the need for precise hole alignment, screw insertion, and tightening operations
3Ease of manufacture
If the inflatable tube is pinched between the support and fixing plate, then assembly is simplified, but the scale needs regular replacement due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing plate is designed with segmented recesses that independently secure different sections of the inflatable tube. This segmentation allows for localized wear management and facilitates replacement of individual components without affecting the entire assembly, addressing the regular replacement need while maintaining assembly simplicity
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 design prevents leaks and simplifies the assembly and fixing process, ensuring reliable operation and reducing maintenance complexity by housing the inflatable tube within the recesses of the fixing flanges.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable flexible envelope in contact with the scales, which is capable of deforming when the scale pivots towards the avoidance position due to a force exerted by an obstacle on the scale and to exert an effort so that each scale returns to its initial position
Implementation Method 2
the fixing plate comprises a pinching surface which comprises a central through recess which opens longitudinally at its two ends and which is capable of receiving a longitudinal section of an inflatable flexible envelope interposed vertically between the pinching surface and a portion facing the support
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention proposes a scale (16) for a crop collection device which includes a plate and a mounting plate (36) for fixing the scale (16) on a support (14, 18) of the crop collection device, and in which the mounting plate (36) includes a pinching surface for a longitudinal section of an inflatable flexible envelope interposed vertically between the pinching surface and an opposite portion (18) of the support (14), characterized in that the pinching surface includes a central through recess (110) which opens longitudinally at its two ends, suitable for receiving said section of the inflatable flexible envelope (48).