Swathing Rake Flotation Cylinder for Uneven-Ground Vibration 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 absorb weight and reduce these stresses.
Innovation Solution
A flotation system comprising a support structure connected to a baler and a motorized vehicle, featuring a flotation cylinder that absorbs the weight of the swathing rake, along with a suspension system including rubber anti-vibration dampers or hydraulic components to regulate position and absorb shocks, allowing higher working speeds.
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, reducing the impact loads and vibrations transmitted to the rake structure during operation on uneven ground, thereby extending its useful life while maintaining working speed
2Productivity
If swathing rake operates at higher speed, then productivity increases, but vibrations and stresses on structure increase reducing useful life
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation cylinder provides counterbalancing support that reduces structural stresses and vibrations even at higher operating speeds, allowing the system to achieve both increased productivity and extended component life by offsetting the increased dynamic loads
3Speed
If flotation system is added to swathing rake, then working speed and useful life improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation system utilizes a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder to provide weight absorption and vibration reduction, leveraging fluid-based mechanisms to achieve complex functions (speed enhancement and durability improvement) through a relatively simple and maintainable component
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 the swathing rake by reducing vibrations and structural fatigue.
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
a rubber anti-vibration damper, preferably having four rubber pads with three different hardnesses
Implementation Method 3
an accumulator (8) joined to said flotation cylinder (6)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a flotation system for swathing rakes, attachable to a baler. It includes a support structure configured to be connected to a baler and to a displacement means; at least one arm including a first end connected to a swathing rake and a second end connected, by means of a hinged articulated joint, to the support structure; the swathing rake; the hinged articulated joint and a flotation cylinder joined to the support structure and to the arm configured such that it acts in traction, absorbing a part of the weight of the arm, and therefore of the swathing rake joined thereto. It also includes support and displacement means and a suspension system for said means.