Tedder Rotor Carrier Weight Distribution via Tension Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tedder apparatuses face inefficiencies due to uneven weight distribution on secondary ground engaging wheels, leading to increased costs and soil compaction, as the rotor carrier's weight is disproportionately borne by these wheels, requiring higher load-carrying capacity tires and components.
Innovation Solution
A take-up means, such as a resilient tension spring, is implemented between the chassis and rotor carrier to distribute the weight more evenly across the secondary ground engaging wheels, allowing standardization of tires and components and reducing soil compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotor carrier weight is borne by secondary ground engaging wheels, then the rotor carrier is supported on the ground, but the weight distribution becomes uneven causing excessive load on rotor carrier wheels
Solution Approach 1:
A take-up means is provided between the rotor carrier and chassis to apply an upward counteracting force on the rotor carrier, reducing the excessive load on secondary ground engaging wheels of the rotor carrier and equalizing weight distribution across all secondary wheels
2Strength
If higher load-carrying capacity tires and components are used on rotor carrier wheels, then the wheel load capacity is sufficient, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By equalizing the load distribution through the take-up means, all secondary ground engaging wheels (whether on rotor carrier or rotor carrying booms) can use identical standard tires and components, eliminating the need for differentiated high-capacity parts and reducing manufacturing costs
3Strength
If more robust components are used for rotor carrier wheels, then the load capacity is adequate, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to specialized spare parts
Solution Approach 1:
The take-up means creates uniform loading conditions allowing a single universal type of tire and bearing component to serve all secondary ground engaging wheels throughout the tedder apparatus, simplifying spare parts inventory and repair operations
4Device complexity
If the rotor carrier weight is concentrated on rotor carrier wheels, then the support structure is simpler, but soil compaction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The take-up means applies an upward force to the rotor carrier, reducing the excessive downward pressure on soil through rotor carrier wheels and equalizing soil compaction effects across all ground engaging wheels
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
This solution reduces the maximum positive deviation of load on any secondary ground engaging wheel, enabling standardization of tires and components, and minimizes soil compaction, leading to increased crop yields and reduced fertilizer runoff.
Implementation Method 1
A take-up means, such as a resilient tension spring, is implemented between the chassis and rotor carrier to distribute the weight more evenly across the secondary ground engaging wheels
Data Source
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AI summary
A tedder apparatus (1) comprises a chassis (2) supported on main ground engaging wheels (5). A rotor carrier (14) is pivotally coupled to the chassis (2) about a main transverse pivot axis (17) by two carrier members (18) extending forwardly from the rotor carrier (14). The rotor carrier (14) carries two rotor carrying booms (15) extending from its respective opposite ends. Tedding rotors (23) are located at spaced apart intervals along the rotor carrier (14) and on the rotor carrying booms (15). Secondary ground engaging wheels (21) carried on wheels carriers (22) extend downwardly from the rotor carrier (14) and the rotor carrying booms (15) through the tedding rotors (23). A take-up tension spring (71) acting between the chassis (2) and the rotor carrier (14) take up some of the weight of the rotor carrier (14) and the rotor carrying booms (15) which bears on the ground through the two secondary ground engaging wheels (21) carried on the rotor carrier (14). The take-up spring (71) is coupled to a coupler (73) which is pivotally coupled to the chassis (2) about the main transverse pivot axis (17). A first engagement member (78) having an engagement recess (77) therein defining a contact point (79) engages an engagement pin (80) located on one of the carrier members (18) when the rotor carrier (14) is in the working state for taking up some of the weight of the rotor carrier (14) and the rotor carrying booms (15) bearing on the ground through the two secondary ground engaging wheels of the rotor carrier (14).