Convertible Spreader Disk Assembly for Windrowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spreader disk assemblies for crop residue require significant time and effort to convert between spreading and windrowing modes, disrupting harvesting productivity and involving cumbersome storage and handling.
Innovation Solution
A spreader disk assembly with pivotally mounted bats that can be easily switched between deployed and stowed positions using a detent element and resilient strap mechanism, allowing conversion without removing the bats or disks, and enabling adjustable spreading characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spreader bats are secured to spreader disks with hardware connectors allowing various positions, then spreading characteristics can be adjusted, but conversion between spreading and windrowing modes requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The bat support mechanisms are made dynamically reconfigurable between two extreme positions (deployed and stowed) through pivotal mounting with detent elements. This allows the bats to be quickly positioned for either spreading or windrowing operations without requiring complex adjustments or removal, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and conversion time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spreader bats are removed for windrowing, then windrowing mode is achieved, but the spreader must be lifted, carried and stored which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing bats for windrowing, the invention allows them to be dynamically repositioned to a stowed configuration where they extend parallel to the disk surface. This maintains the spreader assembly in place while achieving windrowing functionality, eliminating the need for cumbersome removal, carrying, and storage operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conversion between spreading and windrowing modes is required multiple times daily, then operational flexibility is achieved, but harvesting productivity is reduced due to repeated conversions
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic reconfiguration mechanism with detent elements enables rapid switching between spreading and windrowing modes through simple pivotal movement rather than complex assembly/disassembly. This reduces conversion time significantly, allowing multiple daily mode changes without substantial productivity loss, thus maintaining operational flexibility while preserving harvesting efficiency.
4Speed
If bats are pivotally mounted for easy conversion, then conversion speed is improved, but secure holding in deployed position must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The detent elements are pre-positioned to automatically engage with the pivotally mounted bats when they reach the deployed or stowed positions. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the bats are securely held in the correct configuration without requiring active control during operation, thus achieving both fast conversion and reliable holding.
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
Enables quick and efficient conversion between spreading and windrowing modes, reducing operational interruptions and improving handling efficiency, while maintaining effective residue distribution and air circulation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient strap mechanism, allowing conversion without removing the bats or disks
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A spreader disk assembly (28) for spreading crop residue such as straw discharged from an agricultural harvesting machine (20), and more particularly, which has a bat support mechanism (50) that enables the bats (44) to be quickly and easily hingedly or pivotally convertible from a deployed spreading mode to a flattened stowed mode for windrowing, which does not require removal of the bats (44), or the disk (36) from the spreader. A locking mechanism (60) is provided that enables the quick and easy conversion and securely holds the bats (44) in both modes.