Swathing Unit Side Deflector Plate Simultaneous Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing swathing units in agricultural mowers are inefficient and complex to adjust for changing between wide and narrow swath configurations, requiring multiple steps and actuators, which hampers operational efficiency and adaptability to automation.

Innovation Solution

A swathing unit with side deflector plates that utilize a pivot mechanism and a control element with a guide element to simultaneously adjust the angular position and length of the plates, allowing for easy switching between wide and narrow swath configurations using a single actuator, maintaining consistent spacing between plates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the side deflector plate is constructed in two parts with telescopic adjustment, then the effective length can be increased for narrow swath configuration, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex requiring two separate actuators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswath width adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the angular position adjustment and length adjustment functions into a single integrated mechanism. The control element simultaneously controls both the angular position of the side deflector plate and the position of the second plate element relative to the first plate element, eliminating the need for two separate actuators and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single control element serves multiple functions: it adjusts the angular position of the side deflector plate and simultaneously adjusts the length of the plate by controlling the telescopic movement of the second plate element. This multi-functional control reduces the number of components and simplifies the adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the side deflector plate is constructed in two parts with telescopic adjustment, then the effective length can be increased for narrow swath configuration, but the operation becomes onerous requiring multiple separate adjustment steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswath width adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the two separate adjustment operations (angular position control and length control) into a single unified operation. By connecting both adjustment mechanisms to a common control element, the operator can adjust both parameters simultaneously with one action, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control element is designed to pre-coordinate the adjustment sequence, automatically managing both the angular position and length adjustment in a predetermined manner. This eliminates the need for the operator to perform multiple sequential steps and reduces the cognitive load during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the existing swathing unit requires two separate actuators for adjusting angle and length, then precise control is possible, but automation becomes difficult and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflector plate position control precisionVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions into a single control element that can be automatically actuated. This integration maintains precise control over both angular position and length while enabling automated operation through a single actuator, thereby improving operational efficiency without sacrificing control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical system requiring two separate actuators with a simplified mechanism controlled by a single element. This substitution facilitates automation by reducing the number of independent control points while maintaining the precision needed for accurate swath width adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10813283B2Swathing unit

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 KVERNELAND GROUP KERTEMINDE AS

AI summary

A swathing unit (12) for an agricultural mower (4) includes at least one side deflector plate (14) that defines one side of a discharge opening (18) and is adjustable between a wide swath configuration and a narrow swath configuration. The side deflector plate (14) is attached to a pivot mechanism (30) and is angularly adjustable about a pivot axis (X) between an inner position and an outer position. The side deflector plate (14) comprises a first plate element (20) that is attached to the pivot mechanism and a second plate element (22) that is attached to the first plate element and is adjustable to adjust the overall length of the side deflector plate. The second plate element is attached to a control element (32) that cooperates with a guide element (42) to control adjustment of the length and the angular position of the side deflector plate. Movement of the control element relative to the guide element causes simultaneous adjustment of the length and the angular position of the side deflector plate (14).