Feederhouse Torque Stop for Smooth Header Adapter Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Deformation of the feederhouse due to roll torsion and bending moments caused by hydraulic cylinders and rough terrain operation 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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the feederhouse frame is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then strength and stability are improved, but friction increases during deformation causing binding of the header adapter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmovement smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A torque stop is introduced as an intermediary component between the header adapter and the deforming feederhouse sidewall. This torque stop with low-friction bearing surface mediates the interaction, allowing the header adapter to move smoothly even when the feederhouse frame deforms under roll torsion and bending moments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction parameter is changed by introducing a low-friction bearing surface on the torque stop. This surface has deliberately reduced friction characteristics compared to the original contact between the header adapter and the feederhouse sidewall, enabling smooth movement during frame deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the header adapter is allowed to move freely relative to the feederhouse frame, then ease of operation is improved, but deformation causes binding due to increased friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidmovement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The torque stop serves as a mediator that maintains reliable movement by providing a dedicated low-friction contact surface. This intermediary component ensures that the header adapter can move reliably relative to the feederhouse frame even during deformation, preventing binding that would otherwise occur with free movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the feederhouse frame deforms under operational loads, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but friction between components increases causing binding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidadapter movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The torque stop acts as an intermediary that decouples the adverse effect of frame deformation from the header adapter movement. It allows the feederhouse frame to deform for terrain adaptability while the torque stop's low-friction surface prevents this deformation from causing binding of the header adapter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction parameter at the contact interface is changed from high friction (causing binding during deformation) to low friction (enabling smooth movement). This parameter change allows the system to maintain terrain adaptability through frame deformation without suffering from increased friction and binding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 despite deformation, thereby maintaining efficient movement and adjustment of the header and feederhouse components.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction through low-friction bearing surface: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12543644B2Feeder housing with torque stops for agricultural vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 CNH IND BELGIUM NV

AI summary

A feederhouse assembly for an agricultural vehicle includes a feederhouse frame 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 is moveable relative to the feederhouse frame. The header adapter has an adapter sidewall disposed adjacent a feederhouse sidewall of the four interconnected walls. 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 frame to reduce friction between the adapter sidewall and the feederhouse sidewall.