Header Float Arm Locking Control for Cutter Bar Flexibility
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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 configurations using valves, actuators, and pressure sensors to manage the movement between locked and unlocked positions, ensuring proper weight distribution and ground following.
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 flex to follow ground contours, but the float arms may lift and engage with the ground causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The float arm position control system dynamically transitions the float arm between locked and unlocked configurations based on operational conditions. The system uses a hydraulic actuator controlled by valves to move the float arm between a retracted (locked) position that prevents ground engagement and an extended (unlocked) position that allows cutter bar flexibility. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by adapting the float arm state to operational needs.
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 flexibility to follow ground contours
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic switching between locked and unlocked float arm configurations. The hydraulic control system with solenoid valves can rapidly transition the float arm between positions, allowing the cutter bar to maintain flexibility when needed while preventing ground engagement damage during critical operations. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize both protection and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic pressure is continuously applied to maintain float arm position, then precise position control is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system uses periodic or demand-based actuation rather than continuous pressure application. The solenoid valves are activated only when position transitions are needed, and the system uses pressure sensors to monitor and maintain positions without continuous energy input. This periodic action approach reduces hydraulic energy consumption while maintaining precise position control capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that provide feedback on hydraulic pressure and float arm position. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to maintain float arm positions using minimal hydraulic pressure, activating the hydraulic system only when position adjustments are needed. The feedback loop enables energy-efficient position maintenance by avoiding continuous high-pressure application.
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 preventing float arm engagement with the ground, reducing damage to the field and headers, and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a source of pressurized fluid including a fluid at a first fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
The first valve is movable between a first position in which the first valve transmits passage of the fluid from the source of pressurized fluid
Implementation Method 3
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
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for controlling a position of one or more float arms (302). The system includes a float arm (302) that moved between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The system includes source of pressurized fluid (904), a first valve (912), a second valve (908) and a third valve (1102) for controlling action of the hydraulic actuator (902). The first valve (912) comprises a first and a second position, wherein in the first position fluid passage from the source to a first location (910) is possible, while in the second position, fluid passage is prevented. The second valve (908) controls the passage of fluid from the first valve to the first location. The third valve (1103) is used to isolate an accumulator (906) from the float system to prevent slow reaction time when shifting between locked and unlocked configuration and vice versa.