Automatic Coupling for Harvesting Header Drive Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drive arrangements for harvesting machines require manual disconnection and reconnection of the drive connection between the harvesting machine and the header, which is time-consuming and not suitable for headers that are movable relative to the intake housing.
Innovation Solution
A drive arrangement featuring a detachable fastening device with two interlocking coupling halves that automatically connect and disconnect when the harvesting attachment is attached or removed, allowing the header to be moved relative to the intake housing without manual intervention, and adjustable to maintain horizontal orientation at different working heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual disconnection and reconnection of the drive connection is used, then the header can be detached from the intake housing, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The drive connection system performs the coupling and decoupling operations automatically without requiring manual intervention. The clutch elements engage and disengage themselves based on the relative movement between the header and intake housing, eliminating the need for the operator to manually connect or disconnect the drive shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch elements are pre-positioned and prepared for automatic engagement. When the header is attached to the intake housing, the drive connection is automatically established without requiring preliminary manual setup, as the clutch mechanism is designed to engage automatically upon attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid attachment system is used, then automatic clutch systems can be implemented, but the header cannot be moved relative to the intake housing
Solution Approach 1:
The drive connection system is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing the header to move relative to the intake housing while maintaining the drive connection. The telescoping cardan shaft and automatic clutch mechanism accommodate the relative movement between the header and intake housing, enabling both mobility and automatic engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cardan shaft acts as an intermediary element between the header output shaft and the header drive shaft, accommodating relative movement and misalignment. This intermediary component allows the header to be pivotally mounted and moved relative to the intake housing while still transmitting power effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the header is pivotally mounted to follow ground contours, then the header can adapt to hillside terrain, but the drive connection becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal mounting of the header allows it to rotate and adjust its angle relative to the intake housing to follow ground contours on hillside terrain. The automatic clutch system and telescoping cardan shaft are designed to accommodate this dynamic movement, maintaining the drive connection while the header adapts to varying terrain angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive connection system is pre-configured to automatically accommodate the pivotal movement of the header. The clutch elements and cardan shaft are positioned and designed in advance to handle the range of motion required for terrain adaptation, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive arrangement for a harvesting header (20) of a harvesting machine (10), which comprises a chassis (12) to which a feed housing (34) is attached, the front of which has a mounting device (46) movable relative to the feed housing (34). A harvesting header (20) can be attached to the mounting device (46). The drive system includes a harvesting header output shaft (52) coupled to the mounting device (46), which is rotatable from the harvesting machine (10) and can move relative to the feed housing (34) with the mounting device (46). A harvesting header drive shaft (58) of the harvesting header (42) can be connected to the harvesting header output shaft (52).It is proposed that a coupling with two coupling halves (54, 56) be fitted between the header output shaft (52) and the header drive shaft (58), which automatically separate when the header (20) is removed from the intake housing (34) and automatically connect when the header (20) is attached to the intake housing (34).