Spindle Drive Cutting Angle Adjustment for Harvester Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cutting angle adjustment mechanisms for self-propelled harvesters are cumbersome and pose a risk of injury due to the need for manual adjustment using open-end wrenches, which can slip and cause accidents.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a spindle drive system with adjustable coupling rods and spherical plain bearings allows for synchronized adjustment of the cutting unit's angle, enabling easier and safer adjustments using a socket wrench or electric/pneumatic screwdriver, and the option for hydraulic or electric motor control for remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment using open-end wrenches is used, then the cutting angle can be adjusted, but the risk of injury increases due to wrench slippage and the adjustment process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual open-end wrench adjustment mechanism with a spindle drive system that can be operated using a socket wrench or electric/pneumatic screwdriver. This substitution eliminates the slippage hazard associated with open-end wrenches while maintaining the mechanical adjustment function, directly addressing both the ease of operation and injury risk concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle drive acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the cutting angle adjustment. Instead of directly applying force with a wrench to the adjustment points, the operator uses the spindle drive system which translates rotational motion into precise angular adjustments, reducing direct manual intervention and associated risks.
2Productivity
If traditional adjusting screws with nuts are used, then the cutting angle can be adjusted, but the adjustment work becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex nut-and-threaded-section adjustment mechanism from the traditional system and replaces it with a streamlined spindle drive system. This extraction simplifies the overall adjustment mechanism while maintaining the core function, directly improving adjustment speed and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle drive system introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing for quick and easy modification of the cutting angle during operation. The system transitions from static, pre-set adjustments to dynamic, on-the-fly adjustments, significantly improving productivity while keeping the mechanism simple through standardized components.
3Manufacturing precision
If synchronized adjustment of both sides is required, then the cutting angle precision improves, but the adjustment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment operations of both sides into a single synchronized action through the spindle drive system. By connecting both adjustment points through the unified spindle mechanism, the system ensures simultaneous and equal adjustment on both sides, achieving precise cutting angle alignment without requiring separate complex synchronization controls.
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
This solution simplifies the cutting angle adjustment process, reduces the risk of injury, and allows for faster and more precise adjustments, including automated control based on sensor feedback during harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one actuating element is designed as a spindle drive (21, 42)
Implementation Method 2
a spherical plain bearing be provided at the end of the tube
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A cutting angle adjustment mechanism for a cutting unit of a self-propelled harvesting machine comprises a front housing (10) pivotally arranged on an inclined conveyor housing (1) via at least one pivot bearing (8), wherein the front housing (10) accommodates a cutting table equipped with a mower unit, and wherein the pivot angle assumed by the front housing (10) relative to the inclined conveyor housing (1) is adjustable by means of an adjusting device. The adjusting device comprises at least one actuating element (20) engaging the front housing (10) on one side and the inclined conveyor housing (1) on the other.To simplify the adjustment work, at least one adjusting element (20) shall be designed as a spindle drive (21) which is arranged with its first end in an upper cross member (11) running between vertical cross members (13 and 14) of the front housing (10) and with its second end engages an upper transverse wall (3) of the inclined conveyor housing (1), so that a screwing means (28) of the spindle drive (21) for engaging a tool is accessible from inside the cutting table.