Intermediate Rake Drive Element for Wide-Width Transport Folding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towed agricultural apparatus face challenges in achieving wide crop raking width with displaceable arms of longer lengths while adhering to legal height limits during transport, and movement of arms is constrained by drivetrain components.
Innovation Solution
A towed agricultural implement with a support frame, drive apparatus, and moveable support arms featuring an intermediate drive element that is moveably supported from the frame, allowing for a sufficient length in the transport position through a biased frame element and pivot mechanism to maintain constant angular deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If displaceable arms are made longer to increase crop raking width, then the working width is improved, but the height in transport position exceeds legal limits
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate drive element is designed to move dynamically between a raised position (when arms are in working position) and a lowered position (when arms are in transport position). This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt its height according to the operational state, enabling long arms for wide crop raking while complying with transport height limits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If drivetrain components are added to enable arm movement between positions, then the functionality is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate drive element serves multiple functions: it transmits power from the drive apparatus to the drive arrangement, and simultaneously positions itself to accommodate both working and transport configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If the intermediate drive element is moveably supported to provide sufficient length in transport position, then the transport height compliance is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biased frame element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the support frame and the intermediate drive element. It uses biasing forces to automatically position the intermediate drive element in the appropriate position (raised or lowered) based on the arm configuration, eliminating the need for complex active positioning systems while maintaining sufficient length in transport position.
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
Enables wider crop raking width and compliance with transport height limits by providing a flexible drive arrangement that maintains angular consistency during position changes, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate drive element is suspended from the support frame by a biased frame element. Preferably the biased frame element is biased towards a raised position, in which the intermediate drive element is in the first raised position
Data Source
AI summary
A towed agricultural implement including a support frame, with one end adapted for connection to a towing vehicle, a drive apparatus carried by the support frame, with one end of the drive adapted for connection to the towing vehicle, support arms carried from the support frame, where each of the support arms are moveable between a working position and a transport position, and each support arm includes at least one rotary rake adapted to be driven about a central rake axis, a drive arrangement connecting the rotary rake to the drive apparatus, and an intermediate drive element connecting the drive apparatus and the drive arrangement moveably supported from the support frame to ensure that a sufficient overall length is available for the displaceable arm drive arrangement in the transport position.