Automated Header Coupling for Agricultural Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting and disconnecting headers on agricultural harvesters require manual intervention, which is time-consuming and reduces productivity and operator satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that uses pivotable lifting elements and coupler blocks with fluid and electrical couplers to automatically connect and disconnect the header from the harvester, allowing hands-free operation during installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual connection methods are used for electrical and hydraulic systems, then the operator can make connections, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-coupling of electrical and hydraulic connectors through the mechanical lifting motion of the header. The connectors are automatically engaged and disengaged by the feeder's upward and downward movements, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing coupling time while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electrical connector and hydraulic connector into a single integrated coupling assembly located at the interface between the header and feeder. This merging allows both systems to be coupled simultaneously through one mechanical motion, rather than requiring separate manual operations for each system, thereby improving productivity.
2Ease of operation
If manual coupling is required, then connections can be made, but operator satisfaction is reduced due to the burdensome task
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic coupling system performs the coupling operation autonomously through the mechanical motion of the feeder lifting the header. The electrical and hydraulic connectors automatically engage and disengage without requiring the operator to exit the cabin or manually manipulate connectors, greatly improving ease of operation and operator satisfaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical coupling operation with an automated mechanism driven by the feeder's hydraulic lift system. The mechanical motion of lifting the header automatically actuates the coupling and decoupling of electrical and hydraulic connections, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If the feeder is tilted for engagement, then the hook can engage the lifting element, but the lower portions of feeder and header must be spaced apart initially
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with the electrical and hydraulic connectors positioned and oriented such that they automatically align and engage during the header lifting motion. The connectors are preliminarily arranged to follow the natural arc of the lifting movement, eliminating the need for special tilting or positioning operations and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is designed to be dynamic, with the electrical and hydraulic connectors capable of moving relative to each other during the lifting process. The connectors are mounted on movable mounts that allow them to automatically adjust their positions and orientations to maintain proper engagement throughout the lifting motion, simplifying the overall positioning requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and method for automatically coupling fluid systems and electrical systems, respectively, of a header (22) and a feeder (50) of an agricultural combine as the header (22) is lifted by the feeder (50). The feeder (50) and header (22) include lifting elements (68, 72) pivotably engageable with lower portions (74, 76) of the feeder (50) and header (22) spaced apart, such that when the feeder (50) is raised, the header (22) will be lifted by the feeder (50) and pivoted so as to bring the lower portions (74, 76) together. A first coupler block (82) is supported on the feeder (50) and includes at least one fluid coupler (84) and at least one electrical contact (66), and a second coupler block (86) is supported on the header (22) and also includes at least one fluid coupler (84) and at least one electrical contact (66). The fluid couplers (84) and the electrical contacts (66) are configured and positioned so as to couple and be brought into contact, respectively, as the lower portions (74, 76) of the feeder (50) and the header (22) are brought together. They can also automatically uncouple when the header (22) is removed from the feeder (50).