Reel tine attachment using integrated fixing element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching steel tines to a combine harvester reel bar are time-consuming and require multiple parts, including a bolt, washer, and nut, making it difficult to replace tines efficiently, especially when switching between steel and plastic tines.
Innovation Solution
A single screw is used to attach the tine to the reel bar, with a through hole and receiving hole aligned with a hole in the bar, and a screw inserted through the fixing element, simplifying the attachment process and reducing the number of required parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bolt, washer, and nut are used to attach steel tines to a reel bar, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the attachment process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the bolt, washer, and nut into a single integrated fixing element. This fixing element has a head portion that contacts one side of the reel bar and a tail portion that engages with the tine, eliminating the need for separate washer and nut components. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies the attachment process while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element is segmented into distinct functional portions: a head portion for contacting the reel bar, a body portion for structural integrity, and a tail portion for engaging the tine. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as a single integrated component, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time efficiency.
2Strength
If a bolt, washer, and nut are used to attach steel tines, then the connection is strong, but the number of parts increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate fastening components (bolt, washer, nut) into a single integrated fixing element. This reduces the part count from three components to one, simplifying inventory management and assembly while maintaining the structural strength needed for secure tine attachment to the reel bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs the functions of a washer (distribution of load), a bolt (fastening), and a nut (locking). This universal design allows a single component to replace multiple specialized parts, reducing complexity while maintaining connection strength.
3Reliability
If standard steel tine attachment methods are used, then the tines are securely fixed, but the replacement and interchangeability with plastic tines becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate both steel tines and plastic tines. The standardized design with a head portion contacting the reel bar and a tail portion engaging the tine allows interchangeable use of different tine materials and types while maintaining secure fixation, thereby improving adaptability without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing different attachment mechanisms for steel and plastic tines, the patent inverts the approach by creating a single fixing element design that works with both tine types. This inversion simplifies the system and enables easy interchangeability between steel and plastic tines while maintaining reliable attachment for each.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
There is disclosed a tine (201) for attachment to a reel bar (121), the reel bar comprising a plastic fixing element (205) comprising a reel fixing portion (205a), the reel fixing portion comprising a first arm (206a) and a second arm (206b) for affixing either side of the reel bar, the first arm (206a) defining a through hole (207a) for receiving a shank of a screw (241) and the second arm (206b) defining a receiving hole (207b) for receiving a threaded end of the screw such that the screw may be inserted through the first arm, through the through hole of the reel bar, and into the receiving hole to secure the tine to the bar; and a metal element (202) coupled to the fixing element and comprising a finger portion (201a) and a spring portion (203a).