Foldable Harvester Implement With Movable Extensions for Compact Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters face challenges in efficiently gathering and processing crops due to the fixed width of the harvesting implements, which can hinder visibility, transportation, and storage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A folding implement with movable crop engaging members and extension members that can transition between extended and retracted positions, allowing for adjustable positioning and reduced width for improved visibility, transportation, and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the implement uses a fixed width design, then structural simplicity is maintained, but visibility, transportation efficiency, and storage optimization are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The implement employs movable extension members that can dynamically adjust between extended and retracted positions. The crop engaging member supports are configured to move relative to the extension members, enabling the implement width to change from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. This resolves the contradiction by providing operational flexibility (improved visibility) while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement is divided into separable components including extension members and crop engaging member supports that can independently move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the implement to be folded into compact sections for transportation and storage, while maintaining full functionality during harvesting operations, thus improving visibility and transportation efficiency without compromising structural simplicity.
2Volume of moving object
If the implement width is reduced for transportation and storage, then transportation efficiency and storage optimization are improved, but crop gathering capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The extension members and crop engaging member supports are designed with movable connections that enable the implement to transition between compact and extended configurations. During transportation, the implement folds to reduced width for optimal storage and transport efficiency. During harvesting, the components extend to full working width, ensuring complete crop gathering capability is maintained. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between reduced volume and maintained productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the crop engaging member supports are made movable between harvest and nonharvest positions, then visibility and transportation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crop engaging member supports are connected to extension members through movable joints that allow controlled movement between harvest and nonharvest positions. This dynamic configuration enables the implement to fold compactly for improved visibility during operation and reduced width for transportation, while the mechanical connection design maintains structural simplicity through straightforward hinge or pivot mechanisms rather than complex actuation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in an implement for a harvesting machine. The implement may include a plurality of crop engaging members that may extend from one or more crop engaging member supports. The crop engaging member support(s) may extend from an extension member. At least a portion of the crop engaging member support(s) may be movable with respect to the extension member between harvest and nonharvest positions. In some implementations, the implement may include at least two extension members. Each extension member may be joined to one or more crop engaging member supports, from which crop engaging members may extend. One or more of the extension members may be movable between harvest and nonharvest positions.