Merger Unit Four-Bar Linkage for Undulating Terrain Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haymaking machines are bulky and have limited adaptability to undulating terrain, leading to inefficiencies in crop collection due to the inability to follow ground contours effectively, resulting in crop loss and contamination by impurities.
Innovation Solution
A haymaking machine with a merger unit suspended via a four-bar linkage system that allows for floating movement and tilt adjustment, combined with a weight relief device and a compact transverse screw conveyor, enabling better ground adaptation and efficient crop collection on uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the merger unit is designed with a traditional mounting frame guided around the cross conveyor, then the structural stability is improved, but the device becomes bulky and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame is divided into separate link elements (first link, second link, third link) that are articulated together, allowing the structure to be segmented and reconfigured rather than being a single bulky frame
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated linkage system that can adapt its configuration, reducing the overall space required while maintaining stability during operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tractor's lifting mechanism is used to raise or lower the merger, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the ground contour following speed and precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The merger unit is equipped with an active control system that dynamically adjusts the position of the pickup conveyor and cross conveyor independently, enabling rapid response to ground contour changes without being limited by the tractor's lifting mechanism speed
Solution Approach 2:
The merger unit performs its own ground adaptation through the control system that automatically adjusts conveyor positions based on detected ground contours, without relying on the tractor operator to manually adjust the lifting mechanism
3Productivity
If the cross conveyor is made wider to convey greater volume flow, then the productivity is improved, but the ability to adapt to undulating terrain deteriorates as it prevents the pickup conveyor from dipping deep enough
Solution Approach 1:
The cross conveyor is designed with adjustable width and position capabilities, allowing it to be widened for high productivity on level terrain and narrowed or repositioned when navigating undulating terrain, enabling the pickup conveyor to dip deep enough into shafts without obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is segmented into independently controllable sections (pickup conveyor and cross conveyor), allowing each section to be adjusted separately to optimize both productivity and terrain adaptability without compromising the other
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a haymaking machine in the form of a merger for swathing and/or transversely moving harvested material, with at least one merger unit (3) comprising a collection conveyor (4) for collecting the harvested material from the ground and a transverse conveyor (5) for conveying the collected harvested material transversely to the direction of travel, wherein the at least one merger unit is suspended on a mounting frame (10) which can be raised and lowered on a tractor (2) so that the merger unit (3) can be lifted from the ground.According to the invention, the mounting frame of the merger unit comprises at least a first link (10) which is articulated to a mounting frame part (106) that can be attached to the tractor via a three-point linkage and cantilevers out from it approximately parallel to the direction of travel, as well as at least a second and third link (112, 113) which are each articulated on one side to the first link (10) and on the other side articulated to the merger unit or a merger support frame part (150, 151) connected to the merger unit, so that the merger unit is suspended from the first link (110) by the second and third links (112, 113) in the manner of a four-bar linkage and can be moved up and down.