Multi-Part Height-Adjustable Reel With Torsion-Shaft Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting units with multi-part reels have complex hydraulic systems that increase manufacturing costs and require significant constructive and financial expenditure to ensure synchronous movement of reel support arms, leading to high costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The reel support arms are connected rotatably by a torsion shaft, allowing a single adjustment drive to synchronize the movement of multiple reel parts, with fixed bearings and elastic elements to accommodate frame pivoting, reducing the need for multiple hydraulic valves and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hydraulic cylinders are used to adjust each reel support arm independently, then the height adjustment of each reel part can be controlled individually, but the hydraulic system becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent hydraulic adjustment systems into a single centralized hydraulic system. One hydraulic cylinder is used to adjust the height of multiple reel support arms simultaneously through a common hydraulic circuit that distributes pressure to all support arms, eliminating the need for multiple independent cylinders and valves while maintaining synchronized adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic cylinder serves multiple functions by adjusting all reel support arms through a universal hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic system is designed to distribute pressure uniformly to all support arms, allowing one component to perform the work of multiple components while maintaining the ability to adjust each reel part's height
2Ease of operation
If multiple hydraulic valves and components are installed for each reel support arm, then precise control of each reel part is achieved, but manufacturing costs and constructive expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single hydraulic valve assembly that controls the common hydraulic circuit. The valve regulates pressure and flow to all reel support arms simultaneously, eliminating the need for individual valves at each support arm while maintaining precise control capability through centralized pressure regulation
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic valve assembly performs multiple control functions for all reel support arms. It regulates hydraulic pressure and flow distribution to all arms uniformly, allowing one valve to control multiple actuators while maintaining precise operational control through centralized management
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex hydraulic system with multiple components is used, then each reel support arm can be adjusted independently, but maintenance efficiency and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all hydraulic control components into a single centralized system located in an accessible position. The single hydraulic cylinder and valve assembly can be serviced as one unit, and the common hydraulic circuit allows for centralized maintenance procedures, reducing the time and complexity of maintenance compared to distributed independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic control system is extracted from the individual reel support arms and consolidated into a separate centralized unit. This separation allows the hydraulic components to be maintained independently from the reel support structure, enabling specialized servicing of the hydraulic system without disassembling individual support arms
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 configuration simplifies the hydraulic system, reduces manufacturing costs, enhances conveying output, and improves maintenance safety and efficiency by allowing synchronized reel part adjustments and hydraulic locking for safety.
Implementation Method 1
the torsion shaft comprises a fixed bearing point in axial direction of the torsion shaft at a first side and is supported in a plain bearing at a second side
Data Source
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to increase the feed rate of the cutting unit while achieving lower costs. This aim is achieved, according to the invention, in that at least two reel support arms (26) supporting a reel part (24a, 24b, 24c) are interconnected, for conjoint rotation, by means of a torsion shaft (30a, 30b), the reel support arms (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) and the torsion shaft (30a, 30b) form a reel support unit (32), the reel support unit (32) is connected to an adjustment drive (28a, 28b), which acts on one or more reel support arms (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) and/or on the torsion shaft (30a, 30b) and, in the event of adjustment movements of the remotely controlled adjustment drive (28a, 28b), raises or lowers the associated reel part (24a, 24b, 24c), the torsion shaft (30a, 30b) has, on a first side, a bearing point (34) fixed in the axial direction of the torsion shaft (30a, 30b), and the torsion shaft is mounted, on a second side, in a plain bearing (38).