Mower Blade Disc Spring Clamping for Quick Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Replacing a defective blade disc on a mower's cutting unit is traditionally a complex process requiring disassembly with tools.

Innovation Solution

A mowing element design featuring a blade disc clamped between a blade flange and a pressure disc by spring elements, allowing the flange and pressure disc to be pressed apart using a changing tool, facilitating easy replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the blade disc is clamped between the blade flange and pressure disc using spring elements, then the blade disc is securely held during operation, but the replacement process becomes more complex requiring additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding of blade discVSAvoidreplacement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is divided into separate components (blade flange, pressure disc, spring elements) that can be independently manipulated. The blade disc is segmented from the drive shaft assembly, allowing it to be removed without disassembling the entire cutting unit. This segmentation enables secure holding during operation while facilitating quick replacement by simply pressing the blade flange and pressure disc apart.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If traditional fastening methods are used for the blade disc, then the structure remains simple, but the replacement process requires disassembling the cutting unit with tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidblade disc replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system transitions from a static, tool-dependent connection to a dynamic spring-based clamping mechanism. The spring elements provide continuous clamping force that can be easily overcome by applying force with a changing tool, enabling quick release without tools. This dynamic system maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving ease of operation for blade disc replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the blade disc is firmly clamped during operation, then cutting performance is maintained, but the time required to replace the blade disc increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting performance stabilityVSAvoidblade disc replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spring elements act as intermediaries between the blade flange and pressure disc, providing the clamping force needed for reliable cutting performance. During replacement, a changing tool serves as an intermediary that applies force to overcome the spring clamping, allowing quick release. This intermediary mechanism enables firm holding during operation while minimizing replacement time through simple tool actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simple and rapid replacement of the blade disc in a few steps without disassembling the cutting unit.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one spring element presses the blade flange and the pressure disc against each other and thus clamps the blade disc between the blade flange and the pressure disc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4591697A1Mowing device of a mowing device
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 CLAAS SAULGAU GMBH
  • EP4591697A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4591697A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4591697A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Mowing element (2a, 2b) of a mower (1) of an agricultural harvesting machine, with a blade disc (3), a blade flange (6), a pressure disc (7) and at least one spring element (8, 9), wherein the blade flange (6) is arranged on a first side of the blade disc (3), wherein the pressure disc (7) is arranged on a second side of the blade disc (3), wherein the at least one spring element (8, 9) presses the blade flange (6) and the pressure disc (7) against one another and thus clamps the blade disc (3) between the blade flange (6) and the pressure disc (7), wherein in order to replace the blade disc (3) the blade flange (6) and the pressure disc (7) can be pressed apart against the spring force of the at least one spring element (8, 9).