Pivotal Connecting Elements for Ground Fiber Insertion Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for inserting synthetic fibers into the ground face difficulties in maintenance due to limited space and require operating at reduced capacity, especially at the beginning and end of a swath, due to rigid connections and mechanical constraints.
Innovation Solution
The device employs pivotally interconnected connecting elements with endless conveying elements and pulley systems, allowing for greater freedom of design and efficient movement, enabling easier maintenance and increased capacity by using two parallel rows of pin-shaped insertion elements that can be moved asynchronously and independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connections are used in the conveying means, then structural stability is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying means are divided into multiple connecting elements that are pivotally interconnected rather than rigidly connected. Each connecting element can be independently accessed and maintained, solving the contradiction by segmenting the structure into maintainable units while preserving overall structural stability through the pivotal connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between conveying elements is changed from rigid to dynamic pivotal connections. This allows the structure to adapt during operation while maintaining stability, and crucially enables easier maintenance by allowing disconnecting and reconfiguring of the pivotal connections when needed.
2Productivity
If two drums are used to convey fibres, then fibre insertion capacity is improved, but operational speed deteriorates due to required half-speed operation over considerable lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-drum configuration to a single drum with connecting elements arranged in an endless path. This dimensional reorganization allows all inserting elements to operate simultaneously at full speed without the need for half-speed operation required by the two-drum system, while maintaining high insertion capacity through the extended endless path configuration.
3Productivity
If the device operates at full capacity, then productivity is improved, but maintenance space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying system is segmented into multiple independent connecting elements along the endless path. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and service individual elements without shutting down the entire system, enabling full operational capacity to be maintained while providing sufficient maintenance space through the distributed arrangement of components along the extended path.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connecting elements are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal connections between conveying elements provide dynamic adaptability while maintaining structural stability. The pivotal joints allow the conveying path to adapt to different operating conditions and ground contours, yet the overall structure remains stable enough to perform the insertion function effectively. This resolves the contradiction by making the structure dynamically adaptable rather than rigidly fixed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a device for inserting synthetic fibres into the ground, comprising a vehicle with a frame, a plurality of rotatable rolls on which synthetic fibres are wound, conveying means for conveying the fibres from the rolls to respective insertion positions above the ground, pin-shaped insertion elements arranged in at least one row above fibres at the insertion positions, and first moving means for moving the insertion elements up and down. The conveying means comprise a number of aligned side-by-side pairs of clamping elements, wherein the clamping elements are provided on connecting elements that extend along the length of the at least one row. The device further comprises cutting means for cutting the fibres at positions between two adjacent clamping elements of two adjacent, aligned pairs of clamping elements. The conveying means further comprise guide means for moving the connecting elements provided with the clamping elements in an endless path. The pin-shaped insertion elements extend within the endless path, at least in the upper position. The connecting elements are pivotally interconnected.