Spherical Bearing Connection for Sickles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements between sickle drives and sickles face challenges in securing the mounting position, durability, and lubrication, often requiring specialized seals and complex constructions to accommodate pivot and axial movements.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement featuring a cup-shaped intermediate element with a spherical inner face, directly accommodating a rotational bearing, which provides sealing, thermal conductivity, and easy assembly, using metal or plastic with metal particles for enhanced conductivity, and featuring slots for radial elasticity and secure mounting with tensioning mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spherical bearing arrangement with intermediate ring and bearing ring is used to accommodate pivot and axial movements, then the connection allows for necessary movements during operation, but the construction becomes complex and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the intermediate ring and bearing ring into a single integrated spherical bearing component. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate intermediate and bearing rings, reducing the number of parts while maintaining the capability to accommodate both pivot movements and axial displacements between the sickle drive and sickle.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical bearing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it accommodates pivot movements of the driving trunnion, allows axial displacement to compensate for positional changes, and provides a sealed lubrication chamber. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall connection arrangement by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
2Reliability
If specially sealed rolling member bearings are used to ensure lasting lubrication and protection against dirt, then the bearing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bearing integrates the sealing function directly into the bearing structure itself, combining the bearing and seal into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate sealed bearing assemblies, reducing complexity while maintaining reliable lubrication and protection against dirt through the integrated seal design.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact connection arrangement is used to reduce size, then the overall structure becomes more compact, but the thermal conduction away from the rotational bearing may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bearing acts as an intermediary thermal conduction path between the rotational bearing and the external environment. By positioning the spherical bearing in direct contact with both the rotational bearing and the connection elements, it serves as a thermal mediator that efficiently conducts heat away from the rotational bearing despite the compact overall structure.
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 ensures secure retention, easy detachment, long durability, and effective lubrication without separate seals, with centered force distribution and enhanced thermal conductivity, while maintaining a compact and simple construction.
Implementation Method 1
A cup-shaped intermediate element with a spherical inner face, in which a rotational bearing with a spherical outer face is accommodated to adapt to the spherical inner face
Implementation Method 2
An advantageous thermal conduction away from the rotational bearing to the outside is achieved by manufacturing the intermediate element from metal
Data Source
AI summary
A connection arrangement for connecting a sickle drive with a sickle (1) has a connection element (4) on the sickle (1). The connection element (4) has an open ring with a through bore (6) that extends along a longitudinal axis (5). A cup-shaped intermediate element (14) rests in the through bore (6) of the connection element (4). The cup-shaped intermediate element (14) has a spherical inner face (18). A rotational bearing (32) with a spherical outer face (21) is adapted to be accommodated in the spherical inner face (18) in the intermediate element (14).