Reel Cutting Unit With Axially Movable End Tines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting units face challenges in reducing the axial distance between end tines of adjacent reel segments, leading to reduced material intake in the intermediate region, and require complex structures or large installation spaces for adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cutting unit design with axially displaceable end tines on one reel segment, adjusted by a cam track segment and spring elements, allowing for a one-dimensional horizontal movement to minimize the distance between end tines, and optionally incorporating additional reel tines for enhanced intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If end tines are made fixed on adjacent reel segments, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the distance between end tines in the intermediate region is large, reducing material intake
Solution Approach 1:
The end tine on one reel segment is designed to be axially displaceable relative to the reel support tube, transforming from a fixed structure to a dynamic one. This allows the end tine to move axially to reduce the distance to the opposing end tine, thereby improving material intake in the intermediate region while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The axial position of the displaceable end tine is adjusted by changing the parameter of axial distance. The adjusting device modifies the axial position of the end tine on the reel support tube, enabling dynamic optimization of the distance between adjacent end tines to enhance material intake
2Productivity
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used to reduce the distance between end tines, then material intake is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented and integrated directly into the reel support tube structure. The adjusting device is divided into a cam track segment, scanning element, and spring element, each performing a specific function within the axial displacement system, reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting device components are nested within the reel support tube structure. The cam track segment is arranged on the reel support tube, the scanning element moves along this track within the tube, and the spring element is housed within the tube, minimizing installation space while maintaining functionality
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 solution provides a cost-effective, space-saving mechanism that adapts to uneven ground and improves crop intake by dynamically adjusting the distance between end tines, enhancing material acceptance and reducing installation space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The adjusting device can comprise a cam track segment that imparts a one-dimensional horizontal movement to the axially displaceable end tines of the reel segment in the axial direction of the reel support tubes
Implementation Method 2
The adjusting device can comprise spring elements which apply a force to the respective scanning element which holds the respective scanning element in a position adjacent to the curved path segment
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cutting unit (1) comprising a frame (2) extending between side parts (3) and a reel (5) extending between the side parts (3), which has at least two reel segments (5A, 5B) arranged on at least one support arm (16) arranged between them, wherein each reel segment (5A, 5B) comprises a reel support tube (11A, 11B), a plurality of tine bars (13) extending across the width of the respective reel segment (5A, 5B) with reel tines (14, 14') arranged at a distance from one another on the tine bars (13), wherein in the end region of two adjacent reel segments (5A, 5B) at mutually facing ends of the reel support tubes (11A, 11B) at least one end tine (20, 20B) is arranged on the tine bars (13), wherein the respective end tine (20A, 20B) of only one of the adjacent reel segments (5A, 5B) is arranged in the axial direction (23) of the reel support tubes (11A, 11B) so as to be relatively movable thereon,wherein the end region of the reel segment (5A, 5B) with the axially displaceable end tines (20A, 20B) is assigned an adjusting device (22) for axially displacing the end tines (20A, 20B).