Windrow Merger Catching Element Positioning for Transport Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windrow mergers lack robustness and efficiency in forming windrows, particularly for short and heavy agricultural products, due to inadequate adjustment of the catching element's position and potential obstruction during transport.
Innovation Solution
A windrow merger with a catching element that moves between active and passive positions, using a hydraulic actuator and connecting arrangement to adjust its position relative to the conveyor, allowing efficient windrow formation and preventing obstruction during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the catching element is positioned far from the belt conveyor to provide space for windrow formation, then windrow formation efficiency is improved, but the catching element may obstruct the rear lights and number plate during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The catching element is made movable relative to the belt conveyor through a hydraulic actuator system. It can dynamically adjust its position between a first position (far from conveyor for windrow formation) and a second position (close to conveyor for transport), allowing the system to adapt to different operational modes and resolve the contradiction between productivity and obstruction prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the catching element is changed based on operational requirements. During windrow formation, the catching element is positioned at a greater distance from the conveyor belt, while during transport it is repositioned closer to the conveyor, thereby changing the spatial parameter to eliminate obstruction of rear lights and number plate
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the catching element is positioned close to the belt conveyor, then obstruction during transport is prevented, but insufficient space is provided for windrow formation
Solution Approach 1:
The catching element is made movable relative to the belt conveyor through a hydraulic actuator system. It can dynamically adjust its position between a first position (far from conveyor for windrow formation) and a second position (close to conveyor for transport), allowing the system to adapt to different operational modes and resolve the contradiction between productivity and obstruction prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The catching element is repositioned in advance before transport operations begin. The system anticipates the need for unobstructed rear lights and number plate visibility during transport and proactively moves the catching element to the appropriate position, ensuring that space constraints do not interfere with formation efficiency when needed
3Device complexity
If a fixed catching element is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different windrow formation conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The catching element is made movable relative to the belt conveyor through a hydraulic actuator system. It can dynamically adjust its position between a first position (far from conveyor for windrow formation) and a second position (close to conveyor for transport), allowing the system to adapt to different operational modes and resolve the contradiction between productivity and obstruction prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The movable catching element serves multiple functions: it acts as a windrow formation guide during agricultural operations and as an obstruction-free protective element during transport. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single mechanical component that can be repositioned, eliminating the need for separate fixed structures and maintaining relative simplicity while enhancing versatility
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
Ensures reliable and efficient windrow formation by providing sufficient space for agricultural products while preventing obstruction, enhancing the robustness and efficiency of the windrow merger.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating device (6) which moves the catching element (5) between an active position and a passive position... the actuating device includes an actuator (602) that actuates the connecting arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A windrow merger (1) for collecting agricultural products from a field in an advancing direction (AD) comprises: a front side and a rear side, wherein the front side precedes the rear side in the advancing direction (AD); a frame (2); a pick-up device (3) for picking up the agricultural products; a belt conveyor (4), connected to the frame (2) and configured to receive the agricultural products from the pick-up device and to move them in a conveying direction (C), oriented horizontally and transversal to the advancing direction (AD); a catching element connected to the frame; an actuating device, configured to move the catching element between an active position, wherein the catching element is placed lateral to the conveyor and collaborates with the conveyor for the formation of the windrow, and a passive position, wherein the catching element is placed lateral to and in proximity to the conveyor. The position of the catching element in the passive position is offset with respect to that in the active position with respect to the advancing direction and towards the head.