Raking Apparatus Independent Width Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wheel rakes do not allow independent adjustment of raking width and windrow width, limiting their operational range and requiring manual, simultaneous changes that can affect efficiency and bale consistency.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable raking apparatus with independently movable forward and rear tool bars attached to the main frame's arms, enabling separate control of raking width and windrow width through pivot axes and actuators, allowing for independent adjustments and automated control via sensors and controllers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional wheel rakes use a fixed linkage between forward and rear tool bars, then the structure is simple and robust, but the raking width and windrow width cannot be independently adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent adjustment capabilityVSAvoidTool bar linkage structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool bar system is segmented into forward tool bars and rear tool bars that can be independently adjusted. Each tool bar is equipped with separate actuators and control systems, allowing independent modification of raking width and windrow width without affecting the other function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed linkage between forward and rear tool bars is replaced with dynamic, independently controllable components. Hydraulic actuators enable real-time adjustment of each tool bar's position, transforming the static structure into a dynamically adaptable system that can respond to varying operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If manual adjustment of tool bars is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adjustment efficiency and precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAdjustment efficiencyVSAvoidControl system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors are integrated into the tool bar system to detect position, width settings, and operational parameters. This feedback is transmitted to the control system, which automatically adjusts the actuators to achieve precise width settings, eliminating manual estimation and improving adjustment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with hydraulic actuators controlled by an electronic control system. This substitution enables faster, more precise adjustments and allows the operator to control width settings from the tractor cab, significantly improving adjustment efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If simultaneous adjustment of raking width and windrow width is required, then the structural linkage is simple, but the operational flexibility and bale consistency are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOperational flexibilityVSAvoidIndependent control mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to manage multiple functions independently through a unified interface. The operator can adjust raking width and windrow width separately using the same control system, allowing flexible adaptation to different crop types, ground conditions, and bale requirements without complicating the operational interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10499567B2Raking apparatus with independently adjustable raking width and windrow width

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 VERMEER MFG CO

AI summary

An adjustable raking apparatus for gathering crop material into a windrow is disclosed. The raking apparatus allows the raking width and the windrow width to be independently adjusted. In some embodiments, both the raking width and the windrow width may be adjusted by the operator from the pulling vehicle attached to the raking apparatus.