Segmented Impact Shield for Compact Agricultural Machine Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural working machines face challenges in compactly transitioning their impact shields into headland and transport positions due to bulky suspension structures and limited space, particularly in butterfly devices where the shields must be raised and moved above working units during transport, violating traffic regulations and increasing machine width.
Innovation Solution
The impact shield is segmented into movable segments that can be pivoted and retracted, reducing its dimensions and surface area in the headland and transport positions, allowing for a more compact configuration without complex suspension structures, using pivot axes transverse to the impact surface and a shield carrier for articulation, and actuated by a common hydraulic system synchronized with the working unit's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the impact shield is swung into the transport position above the working unit, then the machine width is reduced for road transport, but the suspension structure covers a large area and requires complex linkages and steering mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The impact shield is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned. These segments are arranged side by side in the working position to form a continuous shield, and can be individually retracted or pivoted into the transport position, eliminating the need for complex suspension structures while maintaining the required width reduction
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the entire impact shield in a single sweeping arc above the working unit, the segmented design allows each segment to move independently in a different dimensional pattern - some segments retract horizontally while others pivot vertically, achieving compact transport configuration without requiring large overhead space
2Length of moving object
If the impact shield is moved into the headland and transport position to reduce machine dimensions, then traffic regulations are complied with, but the space above the working position is required and ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented impact shield allows different portions to be positioned at different heights and locations. During headland turns, only the necessary segments are raised or retracted, while other segments can remain in or near the working position to maintain ground clearance, eliminating the need to raise the entire shield structure
Solution Approach 2:
The impact shield transitions from a static, monolithic structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where segments can be independently positioned. This allows the shield to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements - maintaining ground clearance during headland turns while achieving compact dimensions for road transport
3Reliability
If a monolithic impact shield is used, then material containment is effective, but the shield requires complex suspension structures and large space for pivoting into transport position
Solution Approach 1:
The impact shield is divided into multiple segments arranged side by side, each forming part of the containment barrier. When positioned correctly, these segments collectively provide effective material containment equivalent to a monolithic shield, while allowing independent movement of each segment to eliminate complex suspension structures
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple simple segmented structures are combined to perform the function of a single complex monolithic shield. The segments work together as a unified containment system during operation, but can be independently manipulated for transport, replacing the need for complex suspension and steering mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural machine (1), in particular in the form of a haymaking machine for mounting on a tractor, with at least one working unit (3, 4) for processing agricultural material and a deflector plate (7) for limiting the discharge and/or depositing and/or spreading area of the material processed by the working unit, wherein the deflector plate (7) is designed to be movable between a working position and a transport and/or headland position. According to the invention, the deflector plate is divided into several plate segments (11) which are movably mounted relative to one another such that the plate segments (11) can be moved from the working position, in which the plate segments lie side by side and together form a deflector surface, into the transport and/or headland position by relative movement to one another.