Mower Cross Conveyor Linkage Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mower combinations face cumbersome and time-consuming adjustments for transverse conveyors to adapt to different crop masses or downstream machines, requiring laborious disassembly and repositioning, which is structurally complex and unstable.

Innovation Solution

A transverse conveyor system with a link parallelogram or four-bar linkage suspension allows for easy and quick adjustments without disassembly, using an actuator to shift the conveyor relative to the support frame, providing stable and stable positioning with a releasable lock for fixing the setting position, and allowing for remote operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the transverse conveyor is adjusted by dismantling or releasing mounting positions, then the conveyor can be repositioned to adapt to different crop masses or downstream machines, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of transverse conveyorVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static, fixed mounting structure with a dynamic, adjustable suspension system. The transverse conveyor is mounted on a suspension device with multiple articulation points and adjustable links, allowing it to be repositioned easily without dismantling. The suspension system can be adjusted to different positions transverse to the direction of travel by modifying the link lengths or articulation point positions, enabling quick adaptation to different crop masses or downstream machines while maintaining stable support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by providing adjustable geometric parameters in the suspension system. The links connecting the transverse conveyor to the support frame have adjustable lengths or positions, allowing the transverse position of the conveyor to be changed by modifying these parameters. This enables the conveyor to be adapted to different working conditions by simply adjusting the suspension geometry rather than dismantling and repositioning the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a central support is provided for the transverse conveyor, then the structure is simplified, but the structural stability and reliability deteriorate over longer operation periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single central support into multiple distributed support points. The suspension system includes multiple links articulated at different points on both the transverse conveyor and the support frame, distributing the load across multiple articulation points rather than concentrating it at a single central location. This segmentation improves structural stability and reliability while maintaining reasonable complexity through the use of standardized link components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the suspension system with adjustable links that can be set to optimal positions before operation. The suspension device is designed with predetermined link lengths and articulation points that provide stable support from the outset, eliminating the need for complex adjustments during operation and ensuring reliable structural performance throughout the working period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the transverse conveyor is made adjustable for different positions, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting and adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of transverse conveyorVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the suspension system to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same adjustable links and articulation points that enable transverse position adjustment also provide structural support, shock absorption, and positioning stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and mounting devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2529614B1Mower combination
Publication Date: 2013.07.10 AGCO FEUCHT GMBH
  • EP2529614B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2529614B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2529614B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The combination (K) has mower mechanisms (M1, M2), where a deck travels in working direction (R) behind cross conveyors (Q1, Q2). The cross conveyors are adjusted transversely to the working direction, and an adjusting link-operated adjustor (V) is operated relative to the assigned mower mechanism. The cross conveyors are locked by an actuator (G) in addition to a respective selected setting position transversely to the working direction. The actuator is articulated with respect to a handlebar skewed to upper and lower sides of a parallelogram linkage or a four-bar linkage.