Mulching Device Tool Pendulum Angle Limiting Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mulching devices face issues with tool damage due to impacts with foreign objects, and wear on sockets and knives from pendulum movements, which are not effectively mitigated by current designs.

Innovation Solution

A mulching device with tools attached to a bracket via pendulum bearings, where the pendulum angle is limited to a maximum radial orientation, preventing undesirable pendulum movements and reducing wear on components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tools are freely pivoting on the holder by means of pendulum bearings, then the tools can oscillate to some extent upon impact with foreign objects, but this leads to wear on the bushing and the blade

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool oscillation freedomVSAvoidwear on bushing and blade

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tool mounting system uses pendulum bearings that allow dynamic oscillation of the tool in response to impacts, while simultaneously providing a controlled range of motion through the interaction between the tool's proximal part and the holder's limiting surface. This dynamic constraint system enables the tool to move freely within safe limits while preventing excessive oscillation that would cause wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of pendulum angle by introducing a maximum angle limit through the interaction between the tool's proximal part and the holder. This parameter change transforms the unlimited oscillation into a bounded motion, preventing the tool from exceeding a safe oscillation range and thereby reducing wear on the bushing and blade.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If tools are rigidly mounted to the holder, then wear on bushing and blade is minimized, but impact against foreign objects causes damage to the gearbox

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear on bushing and bladeVSAvoidgearbox damage from impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The tool mounting system uses pendulum bearings that allow dynamic oscillation of the tool in response to impacts, while simultaneously providing a controlled range of motion through the interaction between the tool's proximal part and the holder's limiting surface. This dynamic constraint system enables the tool to move freely within safe limits while preventing excessive oscillation that would cause wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pendulum bearing system provides beforehand cushioning by allowing controlled oscillation of the tool before impact forces can be transmitted to the gearbox. The limited pendulum motion absorbs and dissipates impact energy through the bearing mechanism, protecting the gearbox from direct impact shocks while maintaining tool stability during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pendulum angle is not limited, then the tools can rotate freely, but this causes continuous oscillating motion upon impact leading to wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool rotation freedomVSAvoidwear on bushing and blade

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tool mounting system uses pendulum bearings that allow dynamic oscillation of the tool in response to impacts, while simultaneously providing a controlled range of motion through the interaction between the tool's proximal part and the holder's limiting surface. This dynamic constraint system enables the tool to move freely within safe limits while preventing excessive oscillation that would cause wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of pendulum angle by introducing a maximum angle limit through the interaction between the tool's proximal part and the holder. This parameter change transforms the unlimited oscillation into a bounded motion, preventing the tool from exceeding a safe oscillation range and thereby reducing wear on the bushing and blade.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution effectively limits pendulum movement, reducing wear on tools and sockets, and preventing tool damage from impacts, thereby enhancing the durability and efficiency of the mulching process.

Implementation Method 1

freely pivoting on the holder by means of pendulum bearings with pendulum axes running parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

means for limiting the pendulum angle of the tools in the direction of rotation of the shaft to a maximum angle, which means comprise interacting areas of the tools

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3811759B1Mulching device for processing plant stumps on a field with turning angle limitation

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 DEERE & CO

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AI summary

A mulching device (50) for processing plant stubble in a field comprises a holder (56) which is connected to a shaft (60) and can be set into a rotational movement by the shaft (60), two diametrically opposed tools (54) attached to the holder (56) which are mounted freely pivoting on the holder (56) by means of pendulum bearings (58) with pendulum axes running parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft (60), and means for limiting the pendulum angle of the tools (54) in the direction of rotation of the shaft (60) to a maximum angle, which comprise interacting areas of the tools (54).