Multi-Hinge Rake Frame for Independent Width Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carted wheel rakes cannot independently vary raking width and windrow width by changing the orientation of a common support member, limiting flexibility in adjusting rake wheel orientations and positions.
Innovation Solution
A rake frame assembly with a hinge joint that includes multiple hinges and an adjustment element, allowing independent adjustment of the rear frame section's orientation and position relative to the front frame section, enabling precise control over rake wheel angles and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common support member is used to support all rake wheels on one side, then the structure is simple, but the raking width and windrow width cannot be independently varied
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a front frame section and a rear frame section that can move independently relative to each other. The front frame section supports front rake wheels while the rear frame section supports rear rake wheels, allowing independent adjustment of each section's position and orientation to vary raking width and windrow width separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joint connects the front and rear frame sections, enabling dynamic adjustment of the rear frame section's orientation and position relative to the front frame section. This dynamic connection allows the operator to independently vary the raking width and windrow width by adjusting the angle and position of the rear frame section without affecting the front section.
2Ease of operation
If the orientation of the common support member is changed to adjust raking width, then the raking width can be varied, but the windrow width and rake wheel orientations cannot be independently controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into independently adjustable front and rear sections, each with its own rake wheels. The hinge joint allows the rear section to be adjusted independently in terms of orientation and position, enabling separate control of windrow width and rake wheel angles without affecting the front section's configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joint provides a dynamic connection that allows the rear frame section to rotate and translate relative to the front frame section. This dynamic mechanism enables independent adjustment of the rear section's orientation and position, giving the operator precise control over windrow width and rake wheel angles separately from the front section's settings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed connection is used between front and rear frame sections, then the structure is stable, but the range of motion for adjusting rake wheel positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joint with multiple hinges creates a dynamic connection between the front and rear frame sections, allowing the rear section to rotate and translate within a wide range of motion. This dynamic mechanism provides extensive adjustability for rake wheel positions and orientations while maintaining structural integrity through the multi-hinge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into separable front and rear sections connected by the hinge joint, allowing each section to be adjusted independently. The segmentation enables the rear frame section to move through a large range of motion relative to the front section, providing versatility in positioning rake wheels while the hinge joint structure maintains overall stability.
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
Enables independent adjustment of raking width and windrow width without interference between rake wheels, providing greater flexibility and efficiency in raking operations.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge joint having two or more hinges and including an adjustment element. Each of the two or more hinges has an axis of rotation that does not overlay an axis of rotation of others of the two or more hinges. The hinge joint connects or is configured to connect the front frame section and the rear frame section.
Data Source
AI summary
A rake frame subassembly includes a front frame segment and a rear frame segment connected by a hinge joint having two or more hinges and an adjustment element. The hinge joint connects or is configured to connect the front frame section and the rear frame section. The hinge joint is also configured to enable both an orientation of the rear frame section relative to the front frame section and a position of the rear frame section relative to the front frame section to be adjusted using the adjustment element, or is configured to enable a position of the rear frame section relative to the front frame section to be adjusted using the adjustment element.