Windrow Merger Conveyor Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windrower merger attachments lack an efficient mechanism for moving the conveyor between raised and operational positions, and do not allow for upward movement when encountering obstacles during operation.
Innovation Solution
A windrower merger attachment with a conveyor system that includes a pivot mechanism and guide tracks, allowing the conveyor frame to move between raised, mid, and operational positions, and to pivot upward if an obstacle is encountered, utilizing hydraulic actuators for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic cylinder is used to raise and lower the merger attachment, then the merger can be positioned between operational and bypass positions, but the mechanism lacks efficiency and cannot handle obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the conveyor frame movable between fixed positions (raised, mid, operational) and adding the ability to pivot upward dynamically when obstacles are encountered. The conveyor frame transitions from a static two-position system to a dynamic multi-position system that can adapt to field conditions, resolving the contradiction between operational efficiency and obstacle handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameters of the conveyor frame by introducing intermediate positions (mid-position) between the traditional raised and operational positions. This parameter change allows for more nuanced control of the merger attachment, improving both operational efficiency through optimized positioning and adaptability when obstacles are detected.
2Productivity
If the conveyor is fixed in operational position, then windrow formation is efficient, but the merger cannot adjust when encountering obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor frame is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot upward when obstacles are encountered while maintaining efficient operational positions for normal windrow formation. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to switch between high-productivity fixed positions and adaptive obstacle-response positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares for obstacle encounters by designing the conveyor frame with upward pivot capability before obstacles are encountered. This preemptive design ensures that when obstacles are detected, the merger can safely adjust its position without damaging the equipment or interrupting operations, maintaining both productivity and adaptability.
3Device complexity
If the merger attachment has only raised and operational positions, then the mechanism is simple, but it lacks intermediate positioning options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conveyor frame's travel path into distinct positions (raised, mid, operational) with the mid-position serving as an intermediate stopping point. This segmentation allows the merger to access multiple positions without requiring a completely complex repositioning mechanism, balancing simplicity with enhanced positioning flexibility for different operational needs.
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 safe movement of the conveyor, allowing for effective windrow formation and crop distribution without obstruction, improving operational flexibility and safety by allowing the conveyor to adjust its position in response to obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
The merger attachment can be lowered to its operating position or raised with a hydraulic cylinder to a position where the crop can bypass the merger attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A windrower includes a header having a crop cutting and a crop conditioning mechanism for conditioning crop material severed from the field and for discharging the conditioned material in a rearwardly directed stream as the windrower moves across the field. The windrower has a crop merger attachment with a conveyor configured to receive crop material from the crop conditioning mechanism and direct the crop material to a side of the windrower to form a windrow on the ground to the side of the windrower when in an operation position or to direct the crop material to the ground beneath the windrower when in a nonoperational position.