Articulated Header Suspension for Terrain Following and Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wider headers in combine harvesters, while increasing throughput, often result in decreased crop yield efficiency due to their inability to conform to uneven terrain and increased structural loads on the combine, leading to higher operational costs and material requirements.
Innovation Solution
An articulated header with a suspension system that allows independent pivoting of sections, enabling the header to adapt to terrain variations while reducing structural loads by varying its spring rate between harvesting and transport modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the header width is increased to improve throughput, then the harvesting rate increases, but the ability to conform to terrain variations decreases and structural loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, and intermediate section) that can independently pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows each section to adapt to terrain variations while maintaining an overall wide harvesting span, resolving the contradiction between width and terrain conformance.
Solution Approach 2:
The header sections are made dynamically movable through pivot joints rather than being fixed rigidly. The suspension system enables dynamic adjustment of section positions in response to terrain changes, allowing the wide header to maintain both its width and adaptability to varying ground conditions.
2Productivity
If the header width is increased to improve throughput, then the harvesting rate increases, but the structural loads on the combine increase requiring reinforced structures
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the wide header into multiple suspended sections, the structural loads are distributed across multiple pivot points and suspension elements rather than concentrating all forces on the combine structure. This allows wider headers to be used without proportionally increasing structural requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system acts as an intermediary between the header sections and the combine, absorbing and distributing dynamic loads. This intermediary mechanism reduces the peak forces transmitted to the combine structure, enabling wider headers without reinforced combines.
3Strength
If rigid frame headers are used to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but the ability to conform to terrain variations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame is segmented into multiple sections connected by pivot joints and suspension elements. Each section maintains structural integrity through its own rigid framing while the connections between sections provide the flexibility needed for terrain conformance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the header have different properties: the sections themselves are rigid for strength, while the connections between sections are flexible for adaptability. This local differentiation of rigidity and flexibility allows the header to simultaneously achieve both structural integrity and terrain conformance.
4Strength
If reinforced combine structures are used to support wider headers, then structural capacity is improved, but material costs and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system serves as an intermediary that absorbs and manages the additional loads from wider headers, preventing these loads from being fully transmitted to the combine structure. This reduces the need for expensive reinforced combines while still supporting wider, more productive headers.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the header into multiple suspended sections, the load distribution is optimized to reduce peak forces on the combine structure. This segmentation allows standard combines (rather than reinforced ones) to support wider headers, reducing material and operational costs.
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 configuration allows for increased header width without requiring reinforced combines, enhancing crop yield efficiency and reducing operational stresses on the harvesting system.
Implementation Method 1
varying its spring rate between harvesting and transport modes
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A harvesting system includes a header pivotally attached to a combine. The header includes a center section to which a left wing and right wing are pivotally attached. A suspension system of the harvesting system includes first and second engageable states that enable dynamic wing behavior and reduce structural load. The first state corresponds to a harvesting configuration of the header in which the wings are allowed to pivot to allow the header to follow changes in terrain. The second state corresponds to a configuration in which the header is elevated relative to the ground. In the second state, the ability of the wings to pivot is minimized as compared to the first state, which allows the header tobe maintained in a substantially flat configuration while minimizing the amount of dynamic load imparted by the header on the combine during non- harvesting transport of the header.