Integrated Swather Baler Coupling for Single Tractor Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of harvesting and processing crops like grass is inefficient, requiring multiple tractor teams and time-consuming steps, as it typically involves separate tractors for swathing and baling, leading to wasted time when using a single tractor for both tasks.
Innovation Solution
A rake design that integrates a front coupling device for attachment to a tractor and a rear coupling device for attachment of a baler, allowing a single tractor to power both the rake and baler, enabling efficient swathing and baling with a single tractor unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single tractor is used to perform both swathing and baling tasks sequentially, then the number of tractors required is reduced, but valuable time is lost during the transition between tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the swather and baler into a single integrated machine unit that can be pulled by one tractor. The swather and baler are mechanically coupled through a frame structure with front and rear coupling devices, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously by a single tractor without task transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated swather-baler unit serves multiple functions (swathing and baling) in one machine, allowing a single tractor to perform both tasks that previously required separate tractor-team combinations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for task switching while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Productivity
If separate tractor teams are used for swathing and baling, then each task can be performed efficiently, but the overall process requires more equipment and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the swather and baler operations into a single integrated unit that follows the same field path. This eliminates the need for multiple tractor teams and their coordination, while maintaining the efficiency of both individual tasks through proper mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated machine performs both swathing and baling functions in one unit, replacing multiple specialized tractor teams. The universal design allows one tractor to handle both crop gathering and baling operations without requiring separate equipment for each task.
3Quantity of substance
If a single tractor pulls both rake and baler in sequence, then equipment quantity is reduced, but time is wasted moving between positions
Solution Approach 1:
The swather and baler are merged into a single unit with a shared frame structure. The front coupling device connects to the tractor while the rear coupling device attaches the baler, creating one continuous unit that moves together through the field without repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows continuous operation where the baler immediately follows the swather in the same field pass. The mechanical coupling ensures uninterrupted workflow from crop gathering to baling, eliminating idle repositioning time between tasks.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rake (10) comprising a frame (11), a chassis (20) for supporting the frame (11), at least one processing element (25) connected at least indirectly to the frame (11) for capturing crop material, and a front coupling device (15) arranged at the front of the frame (11) with respect to a longitudinal axis (X) of the rake (10), which defines a front coupling point (A) for attaching the rake (10) to a tractor (50). To enable efficient raking of crop material and further processing of the crop material into bales, the invention provides that a rear coupling device (17) is arranged at the rear of the frame (11) with respect to the longitudinal axis (X), which defines a rear coupling point (B) for attaching a baler (60) to the rake (10).