Feederhouse Header Lock Pin Mechanism for Safe Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection and disconnection of headers on self-propelled agricultural harvesters are hazardous due to the size and weight of the equipment, often requiring manual intervention near dangerous pinch points, which can lead to injuries or fatalities.
Innovation Solution
A feederhouse assembly with a header lock pin and rotatable latch mechanism, where a biasing member urges the lock pin outward to secure the header, allowing automatic connection and disconnection without manual intervention at the coupling point, using a latch that protrudes from the frame to release and lock the header.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used to connect and disconnect headers, then the connection can be established, but operator safety is compromised due to proximity to pinch points and heavy equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The header connection system performs the connection and disconnection operations automatically without requiring operator intervention at the hazardous coupling point. The feederhouse assembly with lock pins and latches executes the securing function autonomously when the header is positioned, eliminating the need for manual handling near pinch points while maintaining reliable connection
Solution Approach 2:
The lock pin and latch mechanism serve as intermediary elements between the header and feederhouse. These components automatically engage to secure the header connection, mediating the connection process without requiring direct operator contact with the hazardous coupling area
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic locking mechanism is implemented, then operator safety is improved by eliminating manual intervention, but device complexity increases due to additional components like biasing members and latches
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin is designed as a movable component that can transition between retracted and extended positions. The biasing member provides dynamic force to automatically extend the lock pin into the header opening, creating an automatic locking action that enhances safety without requiring overly complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional components: the lock pin for securing, the biasing member for providing locking force, and the latch for controlling pin movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving automatic safe connection
3Strength
If the lock pin is constantly engaged, then header security is improved, but the difficulty of disconnection increases and operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism provides dynamic control over the lock pin state. During normal operation, the latch keeps the lock pin engaged to maintain secure connection. When disconnection is needed, the latch can be actuated to release the lock pin, allowing easy header removal without compromising security during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is pre-loaded to constantly urge the lock pin into the engaged position, ensuring header security is maintained automatically. The latch is positioned to control this engagement, and when needed, can be actuated in advance to release the pin before complete disconnection, facilitating easy header removal
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 enhances safety by enabling automatic header attachment and detachment, reducing the risk of operator injury by eliminating the need for manual intervention at hazardous locations and ensuring proper alignment for secure locking.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member coupled to the frame and the header lock pin. The biasing member is configured to urge the header lock pin outward to lock the harvesting header to the frame
Data Source
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AI summary
A feederhouse assembly for an agricultural harvester includes a frame, a header lock pin, a biasing member coupled to the frame and the header lock pin, and a latch coupled to the frame and the header lock pin. The biasing member is configured to urge the header lock pin outward to lock a harvesting header to the frame. A rotatable latch in a first positron protrudes from the frame and retains the header lock pin in an inward positron. The latch in a second position permits the header lock pin to travel outward. A method includes applying a force from a harvesting header on a latch protruding from a frame of a feederhouse, pushing the latch to release a header lock pin from an inward position, and urging the header lock pin outward to lock the harvesting header to the frame.