Rotary Rake Frame Suspension with Elastomeric Shock Absorbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements like rotary rakes and tedders lack suspension during operation, leading to improper tine engagement with the ground, and existing suspension systems are inadequate for transport configurations, causing weight distribution issues and mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A suspension mechanism using elastomeric shock absorbing members within a tubular member, which provides minimal suspension during operation and maximizes suspension during transport by compressing under weight, with a torsional spring force and end cap to control rotation, ensuring durable, low-maintenance, and effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no suspension is provided for the frame, then the structure remains simple and robust for crop engagement, but the tines cannot properly track along the ground surface during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic suspension approach where the degree of suspension varies between operating and transport configurations. During operation, the frame is positioned to minimize suspension action for rigid crop engagement, while during transport, the frame is positioned to maximize suspension for comfort and stability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing suspension only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the suspension parameter (frame position relative to axles) between two states: a first position during operation providing minimal suspension, and a second position during transport providing maximum suspension. This parameter change allows the system to maintain simplicity during operation while providing suspension during transport, resolving the reliability-complexity contradiction.
2Strength
If suspension is provided during operation, then the frame can absorb ground impacts, but the individual rotor units will bounce relative to the ground and fail to properly engage the crop
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is made dynamic by adjusting the frame position between operation and transport configurations. During operation, the frame is positioned to minimize suspension action, ensuring rigid crop engagement. During transport, the frame is positioned to maximize suspension for shock absorption. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between shock absorption and crop engagement effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the suspension function from the crop engagement function. The suspension system is designed to affect the overall frame stability without directly interfering with the rotor units' ability to engage the crop. This segmentation allows the frame to absorb shocks during transport while maintaining rigid engagement during operation.
3Area of stationary object
If the implement is placed in transport configuration with folded rotors, then the transport width is reduced, but a substantial amount of weight is placed on the inboard transport wheels causing mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic frame positioning system that adjusts the relative position between the frame and axles based on whether the implement is in operation or transport configuration. During transport, the frame is positioned to distribute weight more evenly across all transport wheels, reducing stress on inboard wheels while maintaining compact transport width.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of frame position relative to the axles when transitioning between configurations. This parameter change optimizes weight distribution during transport, reducing the harmful concentration of load on inboard wheels while maintaining the reduced transport width necessary for mobility.
4Device complexity
If a rigid frame connection is used, then the structure is simple and strong, but the implement cannot adapt to ground variations during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic connection between the frame and axles that provides rigidity during operation for simple, strong crop engagement, but allows movement during transport for ground adaptation. This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction by providing the appropriate degree of rigidity or flexibility based on the operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system applies localized flexibility at specific points in the frame-axle connection while maintaining overall structural rigidity. This local quality allows the implement to adapt to ground variations during transport without compromising the overall structural strength and simplicity needed for operation.
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
The mechanism allows for optimal tine engagement during operation while providing maximum suspension during transport, reducing mechanical stress and weight distribution issues, ensuring efficient crop handling and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
elastomeric shock absorbing members which provide a torsional spring force
Implementation Method 2
provide a torsional spring force with the movement of the wheel assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension mechanism for a rotary rake implement incorporates elastomeric shock absorbing members in the corners of a tubular member situated in between the corners of a square rod formed as part of the wheel assembly and received within the tubular member such that the corners of the square rod assert a pre-load spring force on the tubular member when the implement is in an extended operating configuration. The movement of the implement into a folded transport configuration with the weight of the implement supported on the transport wheel assemblies causes a deflection of the square rod that compresses the elastomeric shock absorbing members within the corners of the tubular member to provide maximum suspension for the implement when in transport, while providing minimum suspension when the implement is in operation. An end cap on the square rod engages a stop formed on the tubular member to control rotation.