Feeder Housing Torque Stops for Smooth Header Adapter Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deformation of the feederhouse due to roll torsion and bending moments caused by hydraulic cylinders and operation over rough terrain leads to increased friction between the header adapter and feederhouse, hindering smooth movement.
Innovation Solution
A torque stop with a low-friction bearing surface is positioned between the feederhouse sidewall and adapter sidewall to reduce friction during deformation, allowing smooth movement of the header adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the header adapter moves relative to the feederhouse frame during operation, then adjustment and pivoting functionality is achieved, but deformation of the feederhouse frame due to roll torsion and bending moments increases friction between the adapter sidewall and feederhouse sidewall, hindering smooth movement
Solution Approach 1:
A torque stop is introduced as an intermediary component positioned in the gap between the adapter sidewall and feederhouse sidewall. The torque stop includes a low-friction bearing surface that contacts one of the adapter or feederhouse sidewalls upon deformation, mediating the interaction and reducing friction during movement while still allowing the header adapter to pivot and adjust relative to the feederhouse frame
2Strength
If the feederhouse frame is rigid to maintain structural integrity, then strength and stability are improved, but deformation under roll torsion and bending moments causes binding and increased friction
Solution Approach 1:
The torque stop serves as a mediator that accommodates the rigidity of the feederhouse frame while preventing the negative effects of deformation. When the rigid feederhouse frame deforms under load, the torque stop's low-friction bearing surface engages to reduce binding, allowing the frame to maintain its rigid structure while still permitting smooth movement of the header adapter
3Manufacturing precision
If the gap between adapter sidewall and feederhouse sidewall is minimized for precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but deformation causes the surfaces to bind together due to increased friction
Solution Approach 1:
The torque stop is positioned within the gap between the adapter sidewall and feederhouse sidewall, maintaining the tight gap for precision while preventing binding during deformation. The low-friction bearing surface of the torque stop ensures that even when the gap is minimized, the header adapter can move smoothly without the surfaces binding together
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 torque stop effectively reduces friction, enabling smooth operation of the header adapter relative to the feederhouse, even under deformation, thus maintaining efficient pivoting and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
A torque stop is positioned within a gap formed between the feederhouse sidewall and the adapter sidewall. The torque stop has a low-friction bearing surface that is configured for bearing directly on one of the adapter sidewall and the feederhouse sidewall upon deformation of the feederhouse frame to reduce friction between the adapter sidewall and the feederhouse sidewall
Data Source
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AI summary
A feederhouse assembly for an agricultural vehicle includes a feederhouse frame (400) including at least four interconnected walls, an open front end, an open rear end, and a hollow space circumscribed by the four interconnected walls. A header adapter (4) is moveable relative to the feederhouse frame. The header adapter has an adapter sidewall (401) disposed adjacent a feederhouse sidewall of the four interconnected walls. A torque stop (500) is positioned within a gap formed between the feederhouse sidewall and the adapter sidewall. The torque stop has a low-friction bearing surface (505) that is configured for bearing directly on one of the adapter sidewall and the feederhouse sidewall upon deformation of the frame to reduce friction between the adapter sidewall and the feederhouse sidewall.