Mowing Machine Support Device Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mowing machines lack adjustable distance settings between the mowing device and the carrier vehicle, limiting their compatibility with various agricultural carrier vehicles and providing inadequate collision protection against obstacles like stones.
Innovation Solution
The mowing machine features a support device with articulation points that allow adjustable attachment to a three-point lifting device, including a pivotable support arm and a flexible link arrangement with adjustable lower links, enabling adaptation to different vehicle geometries and tire sizes, and providing collision protection by allowing the mower to pivot away from obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the mowing device is rigidly attached to the carrier vehicle, then structural stability is improved, but collision protection against stones and obstacles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a flexible connection between the mowing device and carrier vehicle using a lower link that can pivot and deflect. This dynamic connection allows the mowing device to move independently when encountering obstacles like stones, providing collision protection while maintaining structural stability during normal operation. The flexible connection transforms the rigid static attachment into a dynamic system that can adapt to different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spring element within the flexible connection that can be adjusted to change the force characteristics. By modifying the spring preload or stiffness, the system can adapt its collision response parameters to balance structural stability and obstacle protection requirements for different operating scenarios.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mowing device is rigidly attached to the carrier vehicle, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different carrier vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connection with adjustable articulation points enables the mowing device to adapt to different carrier vehicle geometries and tire sizes. The ability to reposition the lower link attachment points provides versatility for mounting on various vehicle types while the flexible nature maintains structural stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable flexible connection system serves multiple functions: it provides collision protection, enables adaptation to different carrier vehicles, and maintains structural stability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for different rigid attachment systems for different vehicle types.
3Device complexity
If the articulation point position is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different carrier vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple components: the lower link, the flexible connection element, and the adjustable articulation points. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve adaptability without significantly increasing overall system complexity. The modular nature enables easy reconfiguration for different carrier vehicles.
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 enables reliable adaptation to diverse agricultural carrier vehicles with minimal design effort, ensuring effective collision protection and efficient operation by allowing the mower to adjust its position and avoid obstacles, thus maintaining low axle loads and facilitating easy mounting.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (16) acting on the lower link (8) in the region of the articulation point (6) and having a centering effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The support unit (2) has vertical axis rotating cutting elements for guiding three point lifting device of agricultural carrier vehicle at drive locations (6). An extending support arm (3) is articulated at support unit in work and operational position transverse to driving and working direction (F). The position of mowing element (4) supported on support arm is changed from lateral work and operational position into vertical transport position by carrier vehicle. The starting position of support unit associated with drive locations is adjusted against driving and working direction.