Parallel Cardan Shaft Drive for Height-Adjustable Forage Feeder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems for height-adjustable feeders in forage harvesters are complex, costly, and prone to synchronization fluctuations and mechanical stress due to multiple transmission components and limited drive shaft length, which complicates maintenance and operation.
Innovation Solution
A retraction arrangement with parallel power transmission paths using forward-running cardan shafts for each roller pack, eliminating the need for transverse drive shafts and allowing longer cardan shafts for better compensation and synchronization, along with a transfer case for synchronized operation of roller packs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple redirections of drive force are used to reach both roller packs, then both roller packs can be driven, but the number of gear components increases and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into two independent cardan shafts, each responsible for driving one roller pack. This eliminates the need for multiple gear redirections and complex transmission paths, while still achieving the goal of driving both roller packs from a single hydraulic motor on the vehicle frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shafts are routed laterally outward from the vehicle frame instead of through the feed opening. This dimensional change in the drive path allows direct connection to each roller pack without requiring transverse drive shafts or multiple gear components, simplifying the overall transmission system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transverse drive shaft is used to compensate for adjustment movements, then the upper roller assembly can be adjusted, but the shaft length is limited and specialized joints are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cardan shafts extend laterally outward from the vehicle frame in a direction perpendicular to the feed opening width. This allows the shafts to achieve the necessary compensation movement range without being constrained by the limited transverse space, eliminating the need for specialized joints and complex guide profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the orientation and extension direction of the drive shafts from transverse to lateral, the effective compensation range is increased without requiring specialized joint mechanisms. The standard cardan shaft design can accommodate the adjustment movements through its inherent flexibility.
3Power
If the drive shaft passes through the sealed intake frame, then power transmission is achieved, but installation and maintenance are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shafts are extracted from the sealed intake frame structure and routed laterally outward. This allows the drive connection to be made outside the sealed frame, eliminating the need to penetrate the frame structure. The shafts can now be easily installed and maintained by simply connecting to the roller packs from the outside, while the intake frame remains intact and sealed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If space constraints on the left side are considered, then header drive shaft placement is limited, but this conflicts with intake roller drive placement
Solution Approach 1:
Both cardan shafts are positioned on the right side of the vehicle, creating an asymmetric arrangement that充分利用 the available space. This asymmetric placement avoids the space constraints on the left side where the header drive shaft is located, while still providing adequate clearance for maintenance and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral extension of the cardan shafts allows them to serve dual purposes: transmitting power to the roller packs while also accommodating the height adjustment movements of the feed frame. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and simplifies the overall drive system arrangement.
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
Simplifies drive system design, reduces mechanical stress, and enhances maintenance accessibility by ensuring consistent roller speed and reducing lateral pushing forces, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one roller pack is coupled to the at least one drive via at least one cardan shaft, which cardan shaft is designed as a double cardan shaft, with an output shaft coupled at least indirectly to a drive, an intermediate shaft articulated to this and a drive shaft articulated to the intermediate shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a feed arrangement (1) for an agricultural machine (50), comprising a vehicle frame (2) and a feed (10) with a feed frame (11) on which an upper roller package (13), with a plurality of upper feed rollers (14), and a lower roller package (15), with a plurality of lower feed rollers (16), are mounted, wherein the feed frame (11) is adjustable relative to the vehicle frame (2) between a lowering position and a lifting position and at least one roller package (13, 15) is adjustable relative to the feed frame (11), wherein both roller packages (13, 15) can be driven by at least one drive (3) arranged on the vehicle frame (2).In order to provide an improved drive concept for a height-adjustable feeder with variable opening width, the invention provides that the at least one drive (3) is connected to the upper roller package (13) via a first power transmission path (20) comprising a first cardan shaft (21) and is connected to the lower roller package (15) via a second power transmission path (30) mechanically parallel to the first power transmission path (20) comprising a second cardan shaft (31), wherein both cardan shafts (21, 31) extend laterally to the feeder (10) with respect to a transverse axis (Y) and forwards with respect to a longitudinal axis (X).