Draper Head Reel Hydraulic Locking for Safe Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hydraulic adjusting drive systems for draper heads on harvesters lack a reliable mechanism to securely lock the reel in place during maintenance, leading to a risk of uncontrolled drops and significant time expenditure for securing and unsecuring mechanical locks, which often results in the omission of necessary maintenance due to time constraints.
Innovation Solution
A separate locking function is introduced into the hydraulic circuit using a hydraulic valve that can be actuated by a safety switch, allowing for secure locking and unlocking of the hydraulic adjusting drive, preventing accidental movements of the reel support arms, and can be controlled electrically with a mechanical spring reset for intrinsic safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical locks are inserted at each individual reel support arm to secure the reel during maintenance, then the reel is secured against accidental drops, but the time expenditure for securing and unsecuring increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual mechanical locking actions at different reel support arms are merged into a single hydraulic locking action. The hydraulic circuit blocks the fluid supply to all hydraulic cylinders simultaneously, securing all reel support arms in one operation, thereby reducing time expenditure while maintaining securing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical locking system (inserting lock bars at each support arm) is replaced by an automated hydraulic locking system. The hydraulic valve controlled by a single button actuates to block fluid supply to all cylinders, providing automatic securing without manual intervention at each support arm.
2Ease of operation
If the hydraulic valve remains in neutral position during operation, then the reel can be adjusted freely during harvesting, but the reel cannot be securely locked for maintenance work
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic valve transitions between two dynamic states: a neutral position during operation that allows free reel adjustment, and a locked position during maintenance that blocks fluid supply to secure the reel. This dynamic switching enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Before maintenance work begins, the hydraulic valve is actuated to block the fluid supply in advance, preliminarily securing the reel in position. This preliminary locking action ensures the reel remains stationary throughout the maintenance period without requiring continuous manual intervention.
3Reliability
If multiple mechanical locks are used to secure the reel, then safety against uncontrolled drops is improved, but the complexity of the securing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex system of multiple mechanical locks at each support arm is extracted and replaced by a single hydraulic control mechanism. The hydraulic valve serves as a centralized control point that manages the fluid supply to all cylinders, simplifying the overall securing system while maintaining safety.
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 significantly reduces the time and effort required for maintenance by allowing a single actuation of a safety switch to secure the reel, ensuring safety against uncontrolled drops and increasing the likelihood of proper securing during maintenance, while also providing dual safety through blocking both supply and return lines.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic valve (46) is adjustable between a locking position in which it blocks the hydraulic liquid supply and drainage lines and thereby locks the reel (22) in position
Implementation Method 2
a 2/3-way hydraulic valve is switched such that either a hydraulic liquid is supplied from a hydraulic pump to the pressure side of the hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 3
The hydraulic valve is adjustable between a first position, in which the hydraulic valve permits movements of the hydraulic drive, and a second position, in which the hydraulic valve does not permit movements of the hydraulic drive, wherein however by means of the mechanical spring reset it is ensured that the hydraulic valve reliably blocks movement of the hydraulic drive even when the current supply is interrupted
Data Source
AI summary
A harvester is provided with a draper head that has a frame extending substantially across a working width of the draper head. Cutting elements are arranged at a front side of the draper head and connected to the frame. Conveying surfaces and conveying members transport cut crop from the cutting elements to a discharge location of the draper head. A reel extends transversely to a working direction of the draper head across the working width of the draper head. Reel support arms are pivotably supported on the frame and support the reel. A hydraulic adjusting drive is operatively connected to the reel support arms to pivot the reel support arms to carry out a height adjustment of the reel. A hydraulic circuit is operatively connected to the hydraulic adjusting drive and has a hydraulic valve that is able to lock the hydraulic circuit.