Tool-less folding divider for combine header
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural headers require the removal of end dividers for transportation, which is time-consuming and increases the risk of losing parts during transport due to the need for tools and storage.
Innovation Solution
A foldable end divider system for agricultural headers, featuring an adjustable connector with an articulating joint that allows the dividers to pivot between a work position and a transport position without the need for additional tools, maintaining attachment to the header.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the header is transported with dividers removed to reduce width, then transportation efficiency is improved, but the time required for assembly and disassembly increases and parts may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The divider is designed with movable components including a telescopic arm that can extend and retract, and a rotating connector that can pivot between work and transport positions. This dynamic design allows the divider to automatically adjust its configuration without requiring manual assembly or disassembly, resolving the contradiction between transportation efficiency and assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic arm design allows one segment to be nested within another, enabling the divider to compact its width for transportation while maintaining full functionality during operation. The nested structure automatically reduces the overall width when in transport mode without requiring complete disassembly, thus improving transportation efficiency while minimizing assembly time
2Volume of moving object
If the divider width is reduced for transport, then transportation space utilization is improved, but the complexity of the folding mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The divider is segmented into modular components including a telescopic arm with multiple sections, a rotating connector, and a divider body. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall folding mechanism while achieving compact transport width. The modular design makes the complexity manageable and the mechanism easier to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a telescopic arm with extendable sections provides a straightforward mechanical solution for width reduction without requiring complex multi-stage folding mechanisms. The telescopic design achieves compact width through linear extension and retraction rather than through complicated angular folding, thereby reducing transport width while keeping the mechanism relatively simple
3Reliability
If the divider remains attached to the header during transport, then the risk of losing parts is reduced, but the width reduction capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating connector enables the divider to dynamically change its orientation and position relative to the header while remaining attached. This dynamic attachment allows the divider to fold inward or outward as needed, achieving width reduction for transport while maintaining connection to the header, thus simultaneously improving reliability and reducing transport width
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic arm can be retracted into a compact position while remaining connected to the header through the rotating connector. This nested configuration allows the divider to maintain attachment (improving reliability) while achieving significant width reduction (improving transport dimensions) without requiring complete removal of the divider components
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective transportation of headers by reducing the width during transport without the need for tools, ensuring the dividers remain attached and minimizing the risk of loss.
Implementation Method 1
The articulating joint may include a friction disc and a friction pad that engages with the friction disc
Data Source
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AI summary
A divider of a header for an agricultural vehicle including a divider body, a receiving member configured for being connected to the frame of the header, and an adjustable connector positionable in between an unfolded work position and a folded transport position. The adjustable connector includes a first member, a second member, and an articulating joint for pivotally connecting the first and second members. The first member mounts the divider body, the second member is slidably connected to and received within the receiving member, and the articulating joint is at least partially received within the receiving member in the unfolded work position such that the first and second members are substantially immobilized and the articulating joint is positioned outside of the receiving member in the folded transport position such that the first and second members are movable relative to one another.