Pivot Bearing Holder Alignment for Foldable Agricultural Attachments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural attachments with foldable segments face challenges in assembly due to manufacturing tolerances, requiring precise alignment and additional steps like drilling and riveting, which are time-consuming and prone to slipping.

Innovation Solution

A pivot bearing holder with alignable support elements and frictional connections between segments, allowing for compensation of manufacturing tolerances and eliminating the need for additional positive connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If segments are connected by rigid positive connection elements (drilling and riveting), then assembly precision is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A pivot bearing holder is introduced as an intermediary component between segments. This holder includes alignable support elements that can be adjusted to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, eliminating the need for precise drilling and riveting while maintaining proper alignment during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot bearing holder is pre-configured with alignable support elements that establish the correct geometric relationship between segments before final assembly. This preliminary alignment structure prevents the need for time-consuming post-assembly adjustments or repositioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If support elements are rigidly connected, then structural stability is improved, but alignment flexibility during assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidalignment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot bearing holder features support elements that are movable relative to each other during assembly, allowing dynamic adjustment to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. Once aligned, the elements are fixed to provide the necessary structural stability for operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The geometric parameters of the support elements (such as their relative positions and orientations) can be changed during assembly to achieve proper alignment. After alignment is achieved, these parameters are fixed to maintain structural stability during use

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

Facilitates simplified assembly and alignment of segments, preventing slipping through frictional engagement, thus reducing assembly time and ensuring precise alignment without additional fastening steps.

Implementation Method 1

the friction element creates a frictional connection between the support elements of the pivot bearing bracket. The frictional connection prevents the support elements from slipping relative to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4620281A1Attachment device for an agricultural working machine
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP4620281A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4620281A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4620281A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an attachment (1) for an agricultural work machine (2), comprising a central segment (3) with a central frame part (13) and at least one side segment (6) with a side frame part (14), wherein the side segment (6) is coupled to the central segment (3) by means of a pivot bearing (4), wherein the pivot bearing (4) forms a pivot axis (23) about which the side segment (6) is pivotally movable relative to the central segment (3), wherein the attachment (1) comprises a pivot bearing holder (5) which is provided and designed to align the at least one side segment (6) relative to the central segment (3), wherein the pivot bearing holder (5) comprises two support elements (26, 27) which are connected in a force-transmitting manner by means of at least one friction element (32).