Swathing Rake Flotation Cylinder for Vibration and Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Swathing rakes attached to balers experience high vibrations and stresses when operating on uneven ground, leading to reduced useful life and limited working speed, necessitating a solution to mitigate these issues.
Innovation Solution
A flotation system comprising a support structure connected to the baler and a displacement means, featuring a flotation cylinder that absorbs the weight of the swathing rake, allowing higher working speeds through a hinged arm and suspension system with anti-vibration dampers or hydraulic components, enabling semi-flotation operation and reduced structural fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If swathing rake operates on uneven ground without flotation system, then structural strength is maintained, but vibrations and stresses increase reducing useful life and working speed
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation cylinder acts as a counterweight mechanism that partially supports the weight of the swathing rake (1) through hydraulic pressure. The piston rod (16) connected to the arm (7) and flotation cylinder (6) creates an opposing force to gravity, reducing the impact loads on the structure during operation on uneven ground, thereby extending useful life while maintaining working speed
2Reliability
If flotation system is added to reduce vibrations and stresses, then useful life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation cylinder (6) serves as an intermediary element between the arm (7) and the support structure (4). It mediates the transmission of forces by providing hydraulic cushioning, absorbing shocks and vibrations while protecting the structural components from excessive stresses, thus extending useful life without requiring complete redesign of the entire system
3Productivity
If swathing rake moves at higher speed, then productivity increases, but vibrations and structural stresses increase reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation system provides beforehand cushioning by pre-loading the hydraulic system and preparing the suspension mechanism before the swathing rake encounters uneven ground during high-speed operation. The piston and cylinder arrangement is designed to absorb impact forces before they reach critical structural components, enabling sustained high-speed operation while maintaining reliability
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
The flotation system increases working speed from 8 km/h to up to 20 km/h, enhancing efficiency and extending the useful life of swathing rakes by reducing vibrations and stresses, thus improving agricultural harvesting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a flotation cylinder (6) which is joined to said support structure (4) and to said arm (7) configured such that it acts by traction, partially absorbing the weight of said arm (7)
Implementation Method 2
said support and displacement means (10) comprising a rubber anti-vibration damper (11)
Implementation Method 3
it can be observed how the position of the support and transport means is adapted (5) comprising an anti-vibration damper having four rubber pads with different rubber hardnesses
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a flotation system for swathing rakes (1), attachable to a baler (2). It comprises a support structure (4) configured to be connected to a baler (2) and to a displacement means (3); at least one arm (7) comprising a first end connected to a swathing rake (1) and a second end connected, by means of a hinged articulated joint (5), to the support structure (4); the swathing rake (1); the hinged articulated joint (5) and a flotation cylinder (6) joined to the support structure (4) and to the arm (7) configured such that it acts in traction, absorbing a part of the weight of the arm (7), and therefore of the swathing rake (1) joined thereto. It also comprises support and displacement means (10) and a suspension system for said means.