Auxiliary Hydraulic Circuit for Faster Harvester Header Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional agricultural harvesters require significant time and energy to activate the harvesting implement actuator, as it shares a primary power circuit with other systems like the threshing assembly, leading to inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A system with a primary power circuit and an auxiliary power circuit, where the auxiliary circuit generates pressurized hydraulic fluid independently to adjust the harvesting implement position without activating other harvester systems, using a hydraulic actuator with multiple pistons and chambers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the primary power circuit is used to generate and supply hydraulic fluid to the harvesting implement actuator, then the harvesting implement can be adjusted, but other systems of the harvester must also be activated which requires significant time and energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharvesting implement adjustmentVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power circuit is divided into a primary power circuit and an auxiliary power circuit. The auxiliary power circuit is specifically dedicated to powering the harvesting implement actuator, while the primary power circuit powers other harvester systems. This segmentation allows the harvesting implement to be adjusted independently without requiring activation of other systems, thereby reducing energy consumption and activation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the primary power circuit is used to generate and supply hydraulic fluid to the harvesting implement actuator, then the harvesting implement can be adjusted, but other systems/components of the harvester must also be activated which requires significant time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharvesting implement adjustmentVSAvoidactivation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power circuit is divided into a primary power circuit and an auxiliary power circuit. The auxiliary power circuit is specifically dedicated to powering the harvesting implement actuator, while the primary power circuit powers other harvester systems. This segmentation allows the harvesting implement to be adjusted independently without requiring activation of other systems, thereby reducing activation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If a single power circuit is used for all systems including the harvesting implement actuator, then the system structure is simple, but activation of other systems is required which reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidpower circuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power circuit is divided into a primary power circuit and an auxiliary power circuit. The auxiliary power circuit is specifically dedicated to powering the harvesting implement actuator, while the primary power circuit powers other harvester systems. This segmentation allows the harvesting implement to be adjusted independently without requiring activation of other systems, thereby reducing activation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Power

If the primary power circuit is used for the harvesting implement actuator, then hydraulic fluid can be supplied, but other energy-intensive systems must be activated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic fluid supplyVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power circuit is divided into a primary power circuit and an auxiliary power circuit. The auxiliary power circuit is specifically dedicated to powering the harvesting implement actuator, while the primary power circuit powers other harvester systems. This segmentation allows the harvesting implement to be adjusted independently without requiring activation of other systems, thereby reducing energy consumption and activation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution allows for efficient adjustment of the harvesting implement position without the need to activate other energy-intensive systems, thereby reducing energy consumption and operational time.

Implementation Method 1

an auxiliary flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid causes movement of the rod relative to the cylinder such that a position of the harvesting implement is adjusted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4544897A1System for adjusting harvesting implement position of an agricultural harvester
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
  • EP4544897A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4544897A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4544897A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for adjusting harvesting implement position of an agricultural harvester includes a primary power circuit and an auxiliary power circuit each configured to selectively generate a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid. Additionally, the system includes a hydraulic actuator including a cylinder, a first piston slidably positioned within the cylinder such that a first chamber is defined within the cylinder, and a second piston slidably positioned within the cylinder and movable relative to the first piston such that a second chamber and a third chamber are defined within the cylinder. Additionally, the hydraulic actuator includes a rod coupled between the first piston and the implement. Furthermore, when the flow of pressurized fluid from the auxiliary power circuit is supplied to the second chamber or the third chamber, the flow causes movement of the rod relative to the cylinder such that the position of the implement is adjusted.