Draper Conveyor End Coupling with Recessed Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing draper conveyor systems for harvesting headers face issues with unconnected draper edges catching on the cutter bar, premature wear, and failure at the connector points, leading to inefficient crop transportation and sealing problems.
Innovation Solution
A draper canvas connection system that forms a continuous loop using a flexible material band with a coupling mechanism involving recessed end edges and a flexible strip portion, clamped by bolts to prevent protrusion and ensure seamless contact with the cutter bar, thereby preventing the draper edges from catching and enhancing sealing and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a continuous loop draper canvas is used, then crop transportation efficiency is improved, but the draper edges may catch on the cutter bar causing premature wear and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a recessed portion at the connector region of the draper canvas, where the thickness is reduced to allow the connector to sit flush with the outer surface. This localized structural modification ensures that the connector area has different properties (recessed, flush-mounted) compared to the rest of the draper body, preventing protrusion that would cause catching on the cutter bar while maintaining the continuous loop configuration for efficient crop transport.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a connector is used to join draper ends, then continuous loop formation is achieved, but protrusion at the connector causes catching on the cutter bar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the connector inside a recessed portion of the draper canvas. The connector is nested within the recessed space formed by the first and second recessed portions, allowing it to be contained within the overall draper profile rather than protruding outward. This nesting arrangement maintains the continuous loop structure while eliminating the shape irregularity that would cause catching on the cutter bar.
3Strength
If the draper canvas is made thick for durability, then strength is improved, but the connector area becomes more prone to catching and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a recessed portion at the connector region where the thickness is reduced, while the rest of the draper canvas maintains its full thickness for durability. This localized thinning at the connector area allows the connector to sit flush with the outer surface, preventing catching on the cutter bar, while the thicker portions of the draper elsewhere retain their strength and durability.
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
The solution prevents the draper edges from catching on the cutter bar, ensures proper sealing, and reduces premature wear and failure at the connector points, ensuring efficient crop transportation and extended draper lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the draper including an additional strip of a resilient material attached on to the outer surface of the base layer at or adjacent the front edge of the base layer so as to stand outwardly from the outer surface of the base layer
Implementation Method 2
a clamping assembly for clamping the upwardly standing edges together
Data Source
AI summary
A draper having an additional strip of a resilient material attached on to the outer surface of the base layer at the front edge is connected at ends to form a continuous loop by a coupling comprising a first and second end edge which are turned so as to stand upwardly from the band and a clamping assembly clamping the upwardly standing edges together. The additional band at each end of the canvas is recessed from the outer surface and a strip portion formed of a flexible continuous strip material extending longitudinally of the additional band connects the two ends. The strip is bolted at each end to the recessed portion and has a thickness so that its outer surface is slightly less than that of the additional band thus forming in effect a continuation of the band bridging the ends of the canvas.