Header Float Arm Hydraulic Control for Ground Engagement Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinged draper headers experience issues with float arms lifting and engaging with the ground during harvesting, leading to damage to the field and headers due to improper weight transfer and ground engagement.
Innovation Solution
A system for controlling float arm configuration using valves, actuators, and pressure sensors to manage the movement between locked and unlocked positions, ensuring proper weight distribution and preventing ground engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If float arms are left in unlocked configuration to allow cutter bar flexibility, then the cutter bar can conform to ground contours, but the float arms may lift and engage with the ground causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The float arm positioning system dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked configurations based on operational requirements. The actuator enables the float arm to move between a retracted position (locked) that prevents ground engagement and an extended position (unlocked) that allows cutter bar flexibility, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and harm prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor provides feedback on hydraulic system pressure to the control system, which then adjusts the float arm configuration accordingly. When pressure indicates potential ground engagement risk, the system locks the float arm in the retracted position, preventing damage while maintaining operational flexibility
2Object-affected harmful factors
If float arms are locked in retracted position to prevent ground engagement, then damage to field and headers is reduced, but the cutter bar loses ability to flex with ground contours
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts float arm configuration based on real-time conditions. The actuator responds to control signals to transition the float arm between locked (retracted) and unlocked (extended) positions, allowing the cutter bar to maintain flexibility when needed while preventing ground engagement when risk is present
3Ease of operation
If multiple valves and actuators are added to control float arm configuration, then precise control of weight transfer is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system uses multi-functional components where the same actuator and valve assembly controls both the locked and unlocked configurations of the float arm. The first and second valves work together in a coordinated manner to provide precise control while reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic control system with actuators and valves to precisely control float arm configuration. The pressurized fluid system enables smooth, controlled movement between positions and maintains stable weight transfer, achieving precise control through fluid power while consolidating control functions
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 system maintains harvest quality by allowing the cutter bar to conform to ground contours, reducing the risk of damage to the field and headers by managing float arm weight transfer effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a source of pressurized fluid including a fluid at a first fluid pressure; a first valve in fluid communication with the source of pressurized fluid
Implementation Method 2
an accumulator; and a third valve. The float arm is moveable between a locked configuration in which the float arm is secured in a retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling a position of one or more float arms in response to operation of a gauge wheel or in response to an input are described. In some instances, a float arm is moved to a selected position automatically in response to extension or retraction of a gauge wheel. In some instances, a position of a float arm in an unlocked configuration is altered in response to an input, such as a user input. In some instances, a position of the float arm is controlled in response to application of fluid pressures, such as hydraulic pressure. Fluidic pressure may be altered in response to changing a position of one or more valves.