Crop Divider Hinge Kit for Combine Harvester Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvester heads with fixed crop dividers pose transportation challenges due to their bulky size and complex, expensive, or unsuitable retrofitting solutions, leading to safety risks and inefficiencies in handling and transporting harvesting equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method to convert fixedly connected crop dividers to pivotably connected ones using a crop divider hinge kit, which involves removing and cutting square tubing, attaching a replacement portion with a sleeve for pivotable connection, and locking the divider in various positions for efficient use and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If crop dividers are fixed in position with respect to the harvester head, then structural simplicity and strength are maintained, but transportation safety and road compliance deteriorate due to the divider sticking out beyond the width of the traffic lane
Solution Approach 1:
The crop divider is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic one that can pivot between a forward-facing working position and a sideways transported position. The hinge mechanism allows the divider to rotate 90 degrees, enabling it to clear the road lane during transport while maintaining structural integrity through the hinge connection and locking mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If crop dividers are made pivotable to allow folding during transport, then transportation safety and ease of handling improve, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crop divider assembly is segmented into the divider body and the hinge mechanism, allowing independent optimization of each component. The hinge is designed as a separate assembly that can be attached to existing fixed dividers, modularizing the complexity and enabling easy installation without replacing the entire divider structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the crop divider and the harvester head frame. This intermediary element provides the pivoting function while isolating the complexity from both the divider body and the frame, allowing each to remain relatively simple while the hinge handles the rotational movement and locking functions.
3Extent of automation
If traditional spring-loaded attachment mechanisms are used, then automatic engagement and disengagement are achieved, but adjustment flexibility and positioning precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism incorporates a movable jaw that can shift position along the frame member, enabling dynamic adjustment of the divider's lateral position. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the divider to be positioned at multiple locations to accommodate different crop conditions and harvester configurations, unlike fixed spring-loaded mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a simple, inexpensive, truly feasible technical solution that readily permits do-it-yourself retrofitting of existing combine harvester heads to allow their crop dividers to pivot out of the way for transport. Provided is a retrofit hinge kit adapted for use with square tube frames and methods for its use.