V-Shaped Hay Rake Wing Assembly with Central Pivot and Spring Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towable hay rakes are complex, expensive, and lack optimal adjustability, making them inefficient and difficult to operate effectively for hay gathering.
Innovation Solution
A towable, adjustable, and foldable V-shaped hay rake design featuring a central frame, rotatable wing assemblies with a pivot joint, and a spring structure for enhanced adjustability and simplicity, allowing for effective hay gathering with fewer components and lower manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hydraulic cylinder mechanisms are used for adjusting rake arms, then the hay gathering function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hydraulic cylinder mechanism from the rake arm adjustment system, extracting the complex actuation function and replacing it with a simpler mechanical linkage system that uses lever arms and pivots to achieve the same positioning effect with fewer components
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using powered actuators to move the rake arms, the invention inverts the approach by using gravity and mechanical advantage through lever arms to naturally position the rake arms, requiring actuation only when position change is needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support members and adjustment components are added to the wing assembly, then the adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support member, a positioning element, and an actuation mechanism. By making the lever arm multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate support members and adjustment components, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining adjustability
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rake arm designs with multiple components are used, then the structural stability is maintained, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lever arm and support function into a single integrated component rather than using separate parts. This merging reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, lowering production costs and simplifying assembly while maintaining the structural stability needed for rake arm operation
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 design provides a robust, efficient, and cost-effective hay gathering solution with improved adjustability, reducing complexity and potential failure points, while maintaining high operational effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an arm coupled to the central frame at a joint defining at least a rotation axis about which the wing assembly is rotatable with respect to the central frame
Implementation Method 2
a spring structure arranged to engage the wing assembly when the wing assembly is in the outward position so as to apply a spring force against downward rotation of the wing assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
The adjustable and foldable V-shaped hay rake which is the object of this invention is an agricultural tool used for raking hay on fields, in which, for each arm of the hay rake, all the mechanisms for moving the arm are centered on a single master support plate (301, 302) that can simultaneously, both be very effectively used and easily adjusted, as well as providing the advantages of great simplicity of construction, great strength and a very economical cost of production.