Haymaking Machine Rotor Arm Coupling Eliminates Rotational Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haymaking machines experience rotational play between parts due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to shocks, noise, and increased wear, as existing coupling devices fail to compensate for this play during operation.
Innovation Solution
The coupling device incorporates inclined bearing faces that immobilize the first part with respect to the second part both axially and rotationally, eliminating rotational play and ensuring perfect torque transmission, even with normal manufacturing tolerances, through a single movement of the tensioning mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional coupling devices with stop means and tension means are used to connect the first and second parts, then the parts can be easily assembled and disassembled, but rotational play between the parts causes shocks, noise, and increased wear during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is divided into a first part carrying working tools and a second part linked to the rotor, connected by a coupling device that allows separate assembly while ensuring operational rigidity. The coupling device segments the connection function into axial positioning and rotational locking, resolving the contradiction between easy assembly and operational smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional approach by using inclined bearing faces that convert axial movement into rotational locking. When the tensioning means moves axially, it forces the inclined faces to engage, which simultaneously locks rotation. This dimensional transformation eliminates rotational play without complicating the assembly process.
2Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing tolerances are accepted in traditional coupling devices, then production costs are reduced and assembly is simplified, but rotational play increases leading to shocks and accelerated wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of manufacturing tolerances into a beneficial feature. The inclined bearing faces are designed to automatically take up rotational play caused by tolerances through axial movement of the tensioning means. What was previously a harmful gap is transformed into a self-compensating mechanism that eliminates shocks and wear during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the coupling device by introducing inclined bearing faces with specific angles. This parameter change allows the coupling device to transform axial force into rotational locking, automatically compensating for manufacturing tolerances and eliminating the harmful effects of rotational play while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling device allows rotational movement between parts during assembly, then assembly is easier, but rotational play cannot be eliminated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device transitions from a static connection to a dynamic locking mechanism. During assembly, the connection is loose to allow easy positioning. During operation, the tensioning means activates the inclined bearing faces to dynamically lock the rotational position, eliminating play while maintaining assembly ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined bearing faces are pre-configured to automatically take up rotational play once axial tension is applied. The geometry is designed in advance so that the moment the tensioning means engages, the rotational locking action occurs automatically, eliminating the need for separate adjustment steps while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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 eliminates rotational play and associated shocks, enhancing the machine's operational smoothness and longevity by ensuring precise immobilization of parts, reducing wear, and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
said force keeps said at least one first support face in contact against said at least one second support face so that, in said operational position, the immobilization of said first part with respect to said second part along said axis simultaneously results in immobilization of said first part with respect to said second part around said axis
Implementation Method 2
during one revolution of said rotor, said second part, subjected in particular to centrifugal acceleration, cannot move relative to said first part at least along said axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The machine has a rotor provided with an arm (16) that comprises two portions (24, 25). The portions of the arm are connected together by a coupling device (27), and an abutment (33) comprises two support portions (35, 36) that are attached to the two portions of the arm, respectively. The support portions respectively comprise two support faces (43, 44) that are tilted with respect to an axis (26). The faces are provided in contact with each other such that a relative immobilization of the two portions of the arm along the axis is enabled in an operational position.