Swather Conveyor Dynamics for Double Windrowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swather conveyor systems face constraints in movement due to the construction of tractors, requiring the conveyor to be clear of wheels and properly retracted, limiting its effective operation between operating and storage positions.
Innovation Solution
A swather with a conveyor system featuring an endless belt mounted on guide rollers, with a mounting assembly allowing the conveyor to move between a raised storage and a lowered operating position, where the belt is inclined forwardly and downwardly, enabling the crop to be carried transversely across the frame for efficient double windrowing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor is designed to move between operating and retracted positions, then the adaptability for double windrowing is improved, but the device complexity increases due to mounting assemblies and linkage mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move between an operating position (where it conveys crop to one side) and a retracted position (where it is clear of the crop path). This is achieved through a mounting assembly with linkage mechanisms that enable the conveyor to be raised and lowered, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is segmented into movable components including the conveyor belt, guide rollers, and mounting assembly. This segmentation allows the conveyor to be independently positioned relative to the tractor frame, enabling it to be raised for retraction or lowered for operation without affecting the entire tractor structure.
2Productivity
If the conveyor is positioned to convey crop to one side, then productivity for double windrowing is improved, but the conveyor may obstruct the path of crop material from the header discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor's position is made dynamic rather than fixed. When needed, it is lowered to the operating position to convey crop material to one side for double windrowing. When not needed, it is raised to clear the crop path from the header discharge. This dynamic positioning eliminates the obstruction problem while maintaining productivity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the conveyor and the tractor frame. It provides the means to raise and lower the conveyor, mediating between the conflicting requirements of conveying crop material efficiently and clearing the crop path when retracted.
3Ease of operation
If the conveyor is raised to a storage position, then it clears the path for crop material, but the conveyor must be precisely positioned to avoid interference with wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor positioning system is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than requiring fixed precision. The linkage mechanisms allow the conveyor to be raised and lowered to clear the crop path and avoid wheel interference, providing operational flexibility without demanding extremely tight manufacturing tolerances for positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical position parameter of the conveyor is changed between two states: lowered (operating) and raised (retracted). This parameter change allows the conveyor to clear the crop path and avoid interference with wheels, simplifying the positioning requirements compared to a system that would need precise lateral adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled swather has a frame mounted on ground wheels with a header in front which discharges between the wheels. A swath conveyor belt is located underneath the frame and arranged to convey the cut crop across the frame to a first discharge side of the frame. A mounting assembly including a beam across the belt and a lift arm mounts the swath conveyor for movement between a raised storage position in which the belt is horizontal underneath the frame and a lowered operating position in which the belt is inclined forwardly and downwardly while at the same time causing the beam to twist to cause the inlet end of the belt to move forwardly further than the discharge end to a forwardly inclined position between the front wheels.