Flexing Row-Crop Header with Independent Wing Float
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing row crop headers struggle to efficiently harvest crops on farmable terraces with steep back-slopes due to their inability to fit or contour to the terrain, leading to reduced harvesting efficiency and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A row crop header with independently pivotal side wing sections and a hydraulic or spring float system that allows the header to contour to the field's surface, maintaining a consistent height and preventing damage, even on uneven terraces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a typical rigid header frame is used for harvesting, then harvesting efficiency is improved on flat terrain, but the header cannot contour to steep back-slopes of farmable terraces
Solution Approach 1:
The header frame is divided into a center section and multiple independently pivotal side wing sections. Each side wing section can pivot relative to the center section, allowing different parts of the header to adapt to varying terrain slopes while maintaining overall structural integrity and harvesting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wing sections are made dynamically adjustable through pivotal connections, enabling them to change position and angle relative to the center section. This dynamic capability allows the header to contour to steep back-slopes and uneven terrain while maintaining harvesting efficiency on flatter areas.
2Productivity
If the header is made larger for increased harvesting efficiency, then productivity improves, but the header cannot fit into existing back-slopes of farmable terraces
Solution Approach 1:
The large header frame is segmented into a center section and collapsible side wing sections. During operation on flat terrain, the side wings extend to maximize harvesting width and productivity. When approaching steep back-slopes, the side wings can be pivoted inward or collapsed, allowing the header to fit into narrower terrace sections without sacrificing overall harvesting efficiency.
3Strength
If the side wing sections are made rigidly connected to the center section, then structural strength is improved, but the header cannot independently pivot to follow field contour
Solution Approach 1:
Rigid structural components are connected through pivotal joints that allow relative movement. The side wing sections maintain rigid internal structures for strength, but these sections can pivot independently relative to the center section, enabling the header to follow field contour while maintaining structural integrity during harvesting operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a float system is added to allow the header to contour to the field surface, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a complex hydraulic float system, the patent uses a mechanical float system where the side wing sections pivot on Trunnion axes, allowing the header to naturally follow the field contour through gravity and mechanical leverage. This mechanical approach achieves terrain adaptability with simpler components and fewer moving parts compared to hydraulic systems.
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 header effectively navigates and harvests crops on terraces with varying slopes, enhancing efficiency and reducing mechanical stress on the equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A float system includes a hydraulic cylinder corresponding to each side wing section operatively coupled between the center and side wing sections to float the side wing sections above the surface of the field
Implementation Method 2
A float system includes a spring corresponding to each side wing section operatively coupled between the center and side wing sections to float the side wing sections above the surface of the field
Implementation Method 3
A float system includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the float cylinders to maintain a consistent pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.