Pick-Up Device Transmission Integration for Gapless Crop Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pick-up devices in agricultural machines have a widened overall width due to externally arranged transmission gears, limiting the working width and preventing the use of additional pick-up devices without creating gaps where crops may not be reliably picked up, restricting their ability to handle crops not laid in swaths.
Innovation Solution
The transmission member for driving the pick-up elements is relocated within the continuous working width, allowing for a wider distribution of receiving elements and enabling the use of multiple work units without interrupting the pick-up process, with drive torque transmitted via integrated mechanisms like chains or belts within the working width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transmission gears are arranged externally to drive the receiving elements, then the drive mechanism is simplified and accessible, but the overall device width increases beyond the working width, reducing the effective harvesting area
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission member is moved from an external lateral position to an internal position within the working width area, utilizing the vertical and depth dimensions rather than extending the lateral dimension. This allows the drive mechanism to be integrated within the existing working width footprint, eliminating the need to widen the overall device width while maintaining drive functionality.
2Productivity
If additional pick-up devices are connected externally to increase working width, then the harvesting capacity increases, but gaps appear between units where crops cannot be reliably picked up
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple receiving units are merged into a single integrated assembly where the transmission member is shared and positioned centrally within the combined working width. The receiving elements from adjacent units are arranged to overlap or abut each other, creating a continuous pick-up surface without gaps. This merging eliminates the reliability issues associated with external connections while maintaining increased harvesting capacity.
3Ease of repair
If the transmission member is positioned externally, then maintenance and replacement are easier, but the device width increases and prevents working on unswathed crops across the full vehicle width
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving units are designed with movable connections that allow dynamic adjustment between working and transport positions. During maintenance, the receiving units can be moved to access the transmission member, and the system can operate with reduced capacity if needed. This dynamic design provides maintenance accessibility while maintaining full working width capability during operation, enabling adaptability to different crop types including unswathed crops.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for holding grass, hay and straw comprises a transmission part for holding elements (18) lying within a working width of the holding elements. An independent claim is also included for a self-propelling harvesting machine with the above holding device. Preferred Features: The transmission part is integrated in a power train running next to the peripheral holding elements. The transmission part is formed as a mechanical gear, a hydraulic motor or electric motor. The movement of the holding elements is controlled.