Haymaking Machine Dynamic Chassis for Compact Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hay-making machines, such as rotary windrowers, face inefficiencies in compactness and stability due to the need for space between rotor pairs, which impairs their operational coverage and transport efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The hay-making machine employs a power-operated mechanism that allows the running wheels' struts to change distance relative to the base frame's longitudinal strut, enabling a more compact arrangement of rotor pairs and increasing track width in the working position for enhanced stability through the use of links and actuators that adjust the position of the base frame and chassis between transport and working positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the frame members are pivotable about axes extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal frame member, then the transport height can be reduced, but the distance between rotor pairs increases, impairing compactness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport heightVSAvoiddistance between rotor pairs
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame members are made dynamically adjustable through a power-driven mechanism that can change the track width (distance between running wheels) based on operational requirements. In transport position, the frame members are positioned closer together reducing height; in working position, they are positioned farther apart increasing stability without compromising rotor compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the frame member arrangement by using a power-driven mechanism to adjust the distance between running wheels. This allows the track width to be varied between transport and working positions, enabling compact rotor arrangement in transport while maintaining stability in working position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If sufficient space is provided between front and rear rotor pairs, then the rotors can be properly positioned, but the compactness of the haymaking machine is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor positioningVSAvoidmachine compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The machine employs dynamic adjustment of the frame member positions through a power-driven mechanism, allowing the rotor pairs to be positioned optimally for operation while maintaining compact dimensions during transport. The running wheels' position is adjusted to achieve the desired balance between rotor spacing and overall machine compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the track width is increased in working position, then stability is improved, but the transport width increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking position stabilityVSAvoidtransport width
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame members are designed to be dynamically repositionable using a power-driven mechanism that adjusts the track width based on the operational state. During transport, the frame members are positioned closer together for compactness; during working operations, they are positioned farther apart to increase stability and prevent lateral tipping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis is divided into separable frame members that can be independently positioned relative to each other. This segmentation allows the running wheels to be adjusted to different positions, enabling the track width to be changed between transport and working positions to optimize both compactness and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for a more compact and stable operation, reducing transport height and width while maintaining increased track width in the working position, thereby improving the machine's operational efficiency and stability.

Implementation Method 1

The frame members to which the running wheels are attached or pivoted are displaceable relative to the longitudinal frame member by means of a power-driven mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the frame members of the haymaking machine's chassis can be pivoted about an axis via an actuating cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic Force: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3453247B1Haymaking machine
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 CLAAS SAULGAU GMBH
  • EP3453247B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453247B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3453247B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Haymaking machine (10) with a base frame (11) having a longitudinal beam (12), with a chassis (14) having running wheels (15), wherein the base frame (11) is supported on the chassis (14) via the longitudinal beam (12) and on the chassis (14) via the running wheels (15), with rotary rakes (16), wherein each rotary rake (16) is pivotally or foldably articulated to the base frame (11) by means of a boom arm (17) in order to move the respective rotary rake (16) between a working position and a transport position, wherein each rotary rake (16) is supported on the surface to be worked via guide and support wheels (20) in the working position, and with a power-driven mechanism (21) by means of which the base frame (11) with the articulated rotary rakes (16) is moved relative to the chassis (14) It can be raised and lowered between a transport position and a working position.The frame members (22, 23) of the chassis (14), to which the running wheels (15) of the chassis (14) are attached, can be displaced relative to the longitudinal frame member (12) of the base frame (11) via the power-operated mechanism (21) by changing the distance between the running wheels (15) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal frame member (12).