Stowable Flail Curtain for Agricultural Mower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural mowing devices face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively integrating a flail curtain into their lateral transport systems, which is necessary to manage debris during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A stowable flail curtain system is integrated into the lateral transport mechanism of the mowing device, comprising a sheet of rigid material supported by arched arms and actuation mechanisms that allow it to be deployed and stowed seamlessly for field use and transport, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate transport trailer is used to carry the mowing device, then the mowing device can be transported efficiently, but the overall cost increases significantly due to separate purchase, maintenance, and transportation of the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transport trailer functionality with the mowing device itself by integrating a transport subframe that is part of the mowing device structure. The transport subframe includes wheels and can support the mowing device for transport, eliminating the need for a separate transport trailer. This merging of functions reduces overall system cost while maintaining transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport subframe serves multiple functions: it supports the mowing device during transport, provides structural framework, and integrates with the existing mowing device components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate transport equipment, reducing costs while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the flail curtain is positioned behind the conditioner to block debris, then debris is effectively blocked, but the curtain interferes with the transport system when the mowing device is reoriented for transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The flail curtain is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can be positioned in a deployed configuration during field operations to block debris, and then moved to a stowed configuration during transport to avoid interference with the transport system. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The flail curtain is designed as a separate, movable component that can be independently positioned and stowed. This segmentation allows it to be moved out of the way during transport while remaining in position during field operations, resolving the conflict between debris blocking and transport compatibility.
3Length of moving object
If the mowing device width is reduced for transportation, then the device can be towed through gates and on roadways, but the flail curtain components may interfere with the transport system
Solution Approach 1:
The flail curtain components are designed to be dynamically repositioned based on operational mode. During transport when the device width is reduced, the flail curtain can be stowed to prevent interference with the transport system. During field operations, the curtain is deployed to perform its debris blocking function.
Data Source
AI summary
A stowable flail curtain for blocking debris flailed by a conditioner of an agricultural mower when in use. The flail curtain includes a sheet of material, a first arched support arm coupled between the sheet at a first attachment point and the trail frame, a second arched support arm coupled between the sheet at a second attachment point and the trail frame, and first and second actuation mechanisms coupled to the first and second arched support arms, respectively, and to the trail frame to move the sheet between a deployed position that blocks debris flailed by the conditioner when in use and a stowed position under the trail frame.