Side Mower Extension Arm Articulation and Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The articulation properties of carrying and guiding devices for side mowers are complex and costly, making them difficult to use during both mowing and transport operations, and pose occupational safety risks during coupling and decoupling from the carrier vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The extension arm of the side mower is designed in two parts with a rotary joint, allowing for adjustable articulation and a hydraulic cylinder system for precise positioning, including a collision safety device and ground contact pressure relief mechanism, enabling easier operation and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the extension arm is designed as a single rigid piece, then the structure is simpler and more robust, but the articulation properties become complex and costly, and occupational safety during coupling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extension arm is divided into two separate parts: a first extension element connected to the support structure and a second extension element connected to the cutter bar. These parts are connected via a rotary joint, allowing independent movement and simplifying the overall articulation mechanism while improving safety during coupling operations.
2Device complexity
If the extension arm has fixed articulation properties, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot adapt to varying ground conditions and collision risks
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism incorporates a rotary joint between the first and second extension elements, enabling dynamic adjustment of the arm's configuration. This allows the cutter bar to adapt to changing ground relief and reduces collision risks by permitting controlled movement in response to obstacles.
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 design simplifies the articulation process, reduces operational complexity, enhances safety during mowing and transport, and allows for efficient adaptation to varying ground conditions, while maintaining ease of use and reducing the risk of damage from obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic cylinder (31) as an adjusting element for moving the cutter bar (3) into different positions
Implementation Method 2
The ground contact pressure relief is carried out by a second hydraulic cylinder (42), which is pressurized by a prestressed hydropneumatic pressure accumulator (93)
Implementation Method 3
The first movable jib element (6) is connected in a first swivel joint (8) to the support structure (4) with a joint axis (9) pointing approximately in the direction of travel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3
AI summary
The mowing machine has a supporting and guide device with a control element in the form of a deployment cylinder operated by hydraulic fluid. The cylinder has two mutually independent working pistons that enclose a common pressure chamber between them. The working pistons (33; 35) lie on a common axis on a straight line connecting the coupling points (29,30).