Adjustable Toolbar Bracketing Assembly for Agricultural Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural harvester headers have rigidly connected toolbars that restrict variations in spacing and positioning of row units, making it cumbersome and time-consuming to adjust the placement of farming implements.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bracketing assembly that allows the toolbar to be positioned along the length of the main frame, using a clamping device that can be moved along the toolbar to accommodate different configurations, enabling flexible attachment points for row units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the toolbar is rigidly connected to the main frame by welding, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the adaptability and ease of adjusting row unit positioning are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid welded connection is segmented into multiple adjustable bracket positions along the toolbar. The bracketing assembly can be positioned at different locations (e.g., first, second, third positions) to accommodate varying row unit configurations while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The bracketing assembly can be moved and repositioned along the toolbar length, allowing the header to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining secure attachment through bolted connections at various positions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the toolbar connection positions are fixed, then the manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but the ease of operation and time required for adjusting row unit spacing are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bracket positions are pre-defined and pre-positioned on the toolbar during manufacturing. These predetermined positions (first, second, third positions) allow for quick selection and attachment without requiring complex measurements or calculations during field operations, combining manufacturing precision with operational ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bracketing assembly is movable along the toolbar, then the adaptability of toolbar configuration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracketing assembly serves as an intermediary component between the main frame and the toolbar. This intermediate element provides the adaptability function, allowing different configurations while keeping the main frame and toolbar designs relatively simple. The bracket absorbs the complexity of adjustability rather than requiring complex mechanisms in the primary structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A header frame (10) of an agricultural harvester capable of adjusting the position of attachment of a toolbar (20) to a main frame (12) is provided. The header frame (10) includes a main frame (12), first and second sides (16, 18) attached to respective lateral ends of the main frame (12), a toolbar (20), a brace (22) and an adjustable bracketing assembly (24). The toolbar (20) extends in a widthwise direction of the main frame (12). The brace (22) includes a first end attached to the main frame (12) and extends in a direction towards the toolbar (20). The adjustable bracketing assembly (24) connects the brace (22) to the toolbar (20) and includes a bracket (26) for connecting to the toolbar (20), and a mount (28) attached to the brace (22). The bracket (26) is attachable to the mount (28) about a plurality of positions.