Mowing Finger Arrangement Stability via Segmented Webs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mowing finger arrangements for harvesting machines are prone to bending under transverse forces, leading to instability and limitations in mounting the mowing sickle due to insufficient connection web design.

Innovation Solution

A mowing finger arrangement with a lower and upper element connected via front and rear connection webs, providing increased stability and allowing for a higher bulge to accommodate screw nuts, while preventing warpage through a flat upper element front connection web and arched upper bulges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a single connection web is used to connect the upper and lower elements, then the structure is simpler, but the stability against transverse forces is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability against transverse forcesVSAvoidconnection web structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection web is divided into two separate connection webs: a first connection web connecting the upper and lower elements at the rear end, and a second connection web connecting them at the front end. This segmentation provides multiple attachment points that work together to resist transverse forces, significantly improving stability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the connection web is positioned at the rear end only, then the assembly is simpler, but the fingers are prone to bending under transverse forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to bendingVSAvoidconnection web arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into two spatially separated connection webs positioned at the rear end and front end of the fingers. This distribution of connection points prevents bending by creating multiple support locations that collectively resist transverse forces applied during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection webs are arranged in both longitudinal dimensions (rear and front ends), transforming a single-point connection into a multi-point distribution system. This dimensional expansion of the connection architecture significantly improves bending resistance without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a bulge is formed in the connection web to accommodate screw heads, then cutting blades can be mounted, but the bulge height is limited by warpages during deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting position flexibilityVSAvoidbulge height control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first connection web is segmented to include a first bulge for accommodating screw heads, while the second connection web includes a second bulge with greater height freedom. This segmentation allows different bulge configurations in different regions, enabling versatile mounting positions while controlling warpage through localized design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different bulge characteristics are applied locally to different connection webs: the first bulge is optimized for screw head accommodation, while the second bulge has greater height to accommodate various screw configurations. This local differentiation enables mounting versatility while managing deformation through region-specific design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Stability of the object's composition

If the upper element fingers are connected only at the rear end, then the structure is simpler, but transverse forces cause easy bending of the fingers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinger stabilityVSAvoidfinger connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The finger connection system is segmented into two connection webs: the first connection web at the rear end and the second connection web at the front end. Each connection web provides independent support, and together they create a stable finger structure that resists transverse forces without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8464506B2Mowing finger arrangement

Publication Date: 2013.06.18 ERFINDERGEMEINSCHAFT GUSTAV & FRED SCHUMACHER

AI summary

A mowing finger arrangement has a lower element (4) and an upper element (3). The lower (4) and upper (3) elements are connected to each other and form two mowing fingers (1, 2) and a blade gap (15). The blade gap (15) guides a mowing sickle between the lower element (4) and the upper element (3). The lower element (4) forms lower counter cutting edges (20, 21). The upper element (3) forms upper counter cutting edges (22, 23) for the mowing sickle. The two mowing fingers (1, 2) are connected to each other via a rear (26) and a front (29) connection web on the upper element (3) and via a rear (35) and a front (34) connection web on the lower element (4). The two front connection webs (29, 34) of the lower element (4) and the upper element (3) define part of the blade gap (15).