Swathing Rake Folding System With Inclined Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swathing rake folding systems result in excessive height when retracted, leading to stress concentration and mechanical failures, and existing solutions either increase wear or compromise raking quality.
Innovation Solution
A folding and unfolding system for swathing rakes with a hinged articulated joint that allows a 10° to 25° inclination of the axis of rotation, enabling the rake to be folded to a height of 4 meters or less, facilitating transport and storage while maintaining effective raking functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the swathing rake is folded using conventional folding systems, then the rake can be retracted for transport, but the height in retracted position becomes excessive (exceeding 4 meters)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by inclining the axis of rotation of the hinged articulated joint at an angle of 10° to 25° relative to the horizontal plane. This inclination transforms the folding motion from a simple vertical collapse to a three-dimensional rotation, allowing the rake to fold into a compact configuration that reduces height from over 4 meters to 4 meters or less, optimizing transportability while maintaining structural integrity
2Productivity
If the rake structure is made larger to increase working capacity, then larger working rotors can be equipped, but stress accumulations occur at the articulation points of the folding systems
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined axis of rotation distributes the mechanical stresses from larger rake structures more effectively across the articulation points. By rotating around an axis inclined at 10° to 25°, the force vectors are distributed more favorably, reducing stress concentrations that would otherwise occur with conventional horizontal or vertical folding axes, thereby enabling larger working rotors without compromising reliability
3Device complexity
If the hinged articulated joint axis is oriented parallel to the ground, then the folding mechanism is simple, but the folded height exceeds transport limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the hinged articulated joint axis from a horizontal position (parallel to ground) to an inclined position at an angle of 10° to 25° relative to the horizontal. This parameter change fundamentally alters the folding geometry, enabling the rake to achieve a compact folded height of 4 meters or less while maintaining a relatively simple single-joint folding mechanism, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and compactness
Data Source
AI summary
A folding and unfolding system for swathing rakes, attachable to a baler, wherein said system includes a support structure connected, by means of a hinged articulated joint, to at least one lifting arm connected to a swathing rake; wherein the folding and unfolding system for swathing rakes is configured to be towed in a longitudinal direction, when pushed by the displacement means, and wherein the hinged articulated joint includes an axis of rotation which, when the folding and unfolding system is in the displacement position, is included in an intersection of an inclined plane, with respect to the flat ground on which the folding and unfolding system rests, an angle comprised between 10° and 25°, and a plane perpendicular to said ground.