Draper Header Wing Leveling via Hydraulic Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Draper headers for combine harvesters face challenges in maintaining consistent cutting height over uneven terrain and require a mechanism to lift the harvesting assembly off the ground for transportation without drooping, which affects efficiency and ground clearance.
Innovation Solution
A draper header with a hydraulic leveling system and float linkage that allows sections to float relative to the attachment frame for ground following during harvesting, and automatically levels the harvesting assembly when raised off the ground using pressurized hydraulic fluid and leveling actuators to maintain wing alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the harvesting assembly is lifted off the ground for transportation, then ground clearance is improved, but the wing sections droop and lose alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs leveling actuators that apply counteracting forces to the wing sections when the header is lifted. These actuators push the wings upward to counterbalance the drooping tendency caused by gravity and the weight distribution, thereby maintaining proper wing alignment and structural stability during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position and alignment of the wing sections. This feedback information is used by the control system to activate the leveling actuators, which automatically adjust the wing positions to maintain proper alignment. The continuous monitoring and adjustment ensure reliable structural stability during lifted operations.
2Reliability
If the wing sections are fixed rigidly to maintain alignment, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to follow ground contour is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the wing sections can move relative to the header frame through floatation mechanisms during harvesting, allowing them to adapt to ground contours. When lifting is detected, the system transitions to an active stabilization mode using leveling actuators, creating a dynamic response that maintains structural stability only when needed while preserving ground-following capability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the wing support mechanism based on the header's state. During harvesting, the wings are allowed to float with minimal resistance to enable ground following. When the header is lifted, the parameter changes as the leveling actuators become active, applying forces to maintain rigid alignment. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual leveling is used to maintain wing alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-leveling system where the header automatically detects when it is lifted and activates the appropriate leveling actuators without operator intervention. The system monitors its own state through sensors and autonomously adjusts wing alignment, eliminating the need for manual leveling operations while maintaining high precision alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical leveling operations with an automated electro-hydraulic or electro-mechanical actuation system. The leveling actuators are controlled by electronic control units that receive input from sensors and automatically activate the appropriate actuators, substituting manual labor with an automated control system that reduces operational complexity and time consumption.
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
Enables consistent cutting height over uneven terrain and improves ground clearance by maintaining wing alignment and preventing drooping when the header is lifted, enhancing operational efficiency and appearance between harvesting cycles.
Implementation Method 1
A valve is operable in response to the movement of the draper header into the second mode to direct pressurized hydraulic fluid into the at least one leveling actuator
Implementation Method 2
A draper header for a combine is described. An attachment frame is adapted for attachment to the combine. A harvesting assembly includes a plurality of sections and a plurality of belts operable to feed crop material into the combine. The draper header is operable in a first mode that allows the plurality of sections to float relative to the attachment frame for ground following during harvesting.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A draper header (104) for a combine (100), the draper header (104) including an attachment frame (118) adapted for attachment to the combine (100). A harvesting assembly includes a plurality of sections (112, 116) and a plurality of belts (128, 132) operable to feed crop material into the combine (100). The draper header (104) is operable in a first mode that allows the plurality of sections (112) to float relative to the attachment frame (118) for ground following during harvesting, and in a second mode in which the attachment frame (118) is raised to lift and support the harvesting assembly to be spaced above the ground. A hydraulic leveling system (214) includes at least one leveling actuator (210). A valve (220) is operable in response to the movement of the draper header (104) into the second mode to direct pressurized hydraulic fluid into the at least one leveling actuator (210) to automatically level the plurality of sections (112, 116) of the harvesting assembly when in the second mode.