Harvesting Unit Shaker Mechanism for Adjustable Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harvesting machines require mechanical maintenance to adjust oscillatory movements of shaker devices, which cannot be adjusted in real-time during operations, leading to inefficiencies when the movements are not adapted to the plants or crop.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting unit with a shaker system featuring an oscillatory driving mechanism that includes a gear system allowing for easy adjustment of oscillatory movements, enabling real-time adaptation by the operator during harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adjustment mechanisms are used for shaker oscillatory movements, then adjustment capability is provided, but real-time adjustment during operation is not possible and mechanical maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment mechanism with a hydraulic system. The hydraulic cylinder can be controlled remotely via hydraulic lines, allowing the operator to adjust the oscillatory movements of the shaker drum in real-time during harvesting operations without leaving the cab. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with hydraulic control resolves the contradiction by enabling remote, real-time adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic cylinder connected to the shaker drum assembly to provide adjustable oscillatory movements. The hydraulic system allows for continuous adjustment of the drum's oscillation amplitude and frequency during operation, eliminating the need for mechanical maintenance and enabling real-time adaptation to different harvesting conditions. This directly addresses the limitation of traditional mechanical adjustment systems.
2Productivity
If fixed oscillatory movements are used in shaker devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but inefficiency occurs when movements are not adapted to plants or crop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed oscillatory movement system into a dynamic one by introducing a hydraulic cylinder that can continuously adjust the amplitude and frequency of the shaker drum's oscillations. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different plant types, crop densities, and harvesting conditions, significantly improving productivity. The added complexity is minimal and justified by the substantial gain in operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables change in the operational parameters of the shaker drum by using hydraulic control to vary the oscillation amplitude and frequency. This allows operators to optimize harvesting efficiency for different crops and conditions by adjusting these parameters in real-time, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple fixed movements and achieving adaptive efficient harvesting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable connecting rod length is used, then transversal space adjustment is enabled, but mechanical maintenance is required and real-time adjustment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjusting mechanism for connecting rod length with a hydraulic system. The hydraulic cylinder can adjust the effective length of the connecting mechanism in real-time without requiring mechanical disassembly or maintenance. This substitution eliminates the need for periodic mechanical maintenance while preserving the adaptability for transversal space adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic actuation to control the position and effective length of the connecting rod mechanism. This hydraulic control system allows for smooth, continuous adjustment of the transversal space without the mechanical wear and maintenance issues associated with traditional mechanical adjusting mechanisms, directly addressing the contradiction between adjustability and maintenance requirements.
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
Enables efficient and adaptive harvesting by allowing operators to adjust oscillatory movements in real-time, improving crop yield and reducing plant damage.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting rod having a first end connected to the crankpin and a second end connected to the vertical shaft to transform the rotation of said module into an oscillation of said vertical shaft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Harvesting unit (3) comprising a shaker device comprising: a rotating vertical shaft with shaker organs ; an oscillatory driving mechanism comprising: a mobile assembly (13) driven in rotation a driving axis; an eccentric module (14) driven in rotation by said assembly and comprising a crankpin (15) connected to the shaft via a rod (16) to transform the rotation of said module into an oscillation of said shaft; an outer frame (24) with gear means (26) engaged with the module (14) to drive the rotation thereof about a spinning axis upon rotation thereof around the driving axis, said crankpin being offset from said spinning axis in order to be driven in rotation around the spinning axis along an elliptical path (E) upon rotation of the module (14), the means (26) being movable about the driving axis to adjust the path orientation in relation to an oscillation direction of the rod (16).