Flex Arm Belt Support With Roller Lift to Cut Belt Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural harvesters experience wear, heat, and drag issues on the draper belt and friction reducing bearings due to the bottom surface of the upper run of the belt contacting the leading edges of the friction reducing bearings when flex arms are raised.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a roller above the elongate beam of the flex arm to elevate the belt conveyor, minimizing contact between the belt and the friction reducing strips or bearings, thereby reducing wear, heat, and drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction reducing bearings are installed on channel supports to reduce belt wear and drag, then belt wear and drag are reduced, but when flex arms are raised, the belt contacts the leading edges of the bearings causing heat, drag and wear
Solution Approach 1:
A roller is introduced as an intermediary element between the belt and the bearing surface. The roller contacts the upper run of the belt and rolls along the top surface of the flex arm, preventing the belt from contacting the leading edges of the friction reducing bearings while the bearing still provides its friction reduction function on the channel support
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the contact point from a horizontal plane (belt contacting bearing edge) to a vertical dimension by positioning the roller above the flex arm surface. This dimensional change allows the belt to be elevated and contact the roller instead of the bearing edge, eliminating the harmful contact while maintaining the friction reduction function
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 solution effectively minimizes wear, heat, and drag on the belt and bearings, enhancing the durability and efficiency of the conveyor system.
Implementation Method 1
The upper surfaces of the channels are oftentimes covered with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) bearings or similar friction-reducing strips that reduce belt wear and drag
Data Source
AI summary
A header for an agricultural harvester including an endless belt conveyor and a flex arm disposed between upper and lower runs of the endless belt conveyor. The flex arm includes an elongate beam having an upper surface, and a roller extending above the upper surface of the elongate beam for contacting the upper run of the endless belt conveyor. The roller raises the belt conveyor above the upper surface of the elongate beam, thereby minimizing contact between the upper run of the endless belt conveyor and friction reducing bearings situated atop channel supports connected at opposite sides of the elongate beam. The resultant construction minimizes wear, heat and drag on the endless belt conveyor and the friction reducing bearings.