Hay Rake Arm Balancing via Hydraulic Cylinder Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hay rake systems face challenges in balancing and transporting long, heavy rake arms due to limited utility of vertically operating elastic masses and the need for additional components, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single-action hydraulic cylinder is used to raise and lower the rake arm, with elastic masses acting between the cylinder and a folding arm, allowing for controlled movement and retention in the upper position, and utilizing a second elastic mass for downward movement, reducing the need for additional parts and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If vertically operating elastic masses are used to support the rake arm, then the rake arm can be balanced, but the limited length of these masses reduces their utility in supporting long, heavy rake arms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical elastic masses to horizontal elastic masses (springs) that operate in a different dimension. The horizontal springs are positioned to act perpendicular to the rake arm's length, providing balancing force without being constrained by vertical space limitations. This dimensional change allows the elastic masses to be much longer and more effective at supporting heavy, long rake arms.
2Length of moving object
If an horizontal spring is used to balance the rake arm, then the limited length constraint is overcome, but additional parts must be acquired, stored, and mounted increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the balancing function with the existing hydraulic cylinder assembly by integrating horizontal springs that act between the cylinder body and the rake arm mounting structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate balancing components while still providing the necessary horizontal elastic force to support long rake arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides both the hydraulic lifting action and houses the horizontal springs for balancing. The cylinder body and mounting structure are utilized dual-purpose, eliminating the need for dedicated separate balancing components and reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If long rake arms are used to accommodate large banks of wheels and reduce passes, then productivity increases, but the rake arms become heavy and cumbersome requiring additional balancing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs horizontal springs positioned to provide counterbalancing force against the weight of long rake arms. These springs are arranged to create upward or outward elastic forces that offset the gravitational pull on the extended rake arms, making them easier to maneuver and position during operation while maintaining the productivity benefits of long arms.
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 solution simplifies the operation and transport of hay rake arms by allowing easy transition between operative and transport positions without additional weight or cost, accommodating ground unevenness and maintaining stability with minimal components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic mass is provided that acts between the outer body of the hydraulic cylinder and an adjusting device
Implementation Method 2
an extension of the same may come in contact with a second elastic mass, compressing the second elastic mass under the action of said single action hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 3
a single action hydraulic cylinder is used to rise the rake arm from the operating position to the transport position
Data Source
AI summary
A single action hydraulic cylinder is utilized to rise a rake arm from the operating position to the transport position. An elastic mass is provided between the outer body of the hydraulic cylinder and an adjusting device, such as a nut on the stem of the cylinder. When the cylinder is actuated to rise the rake arm, the stem extends out of the cylinder body, thus freeing the elastic mass from the contact with the cylinder outer body. When lowering the rake arm to its operative position, the stem retracts and the elastic mass comes in contact with the cylinder, thereby acting against the retracting action and limiting the downward movement of the rake arm. The elasticity of the elastic mass permits small vertical movements of the rake arm to accommodate unevenness of the ground.