Gauge Wheels for Multi-Section Agricultural Header Height Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combine harvester headers face challenges in maintaining stability and controlled height when cutting crops close to the ground or in raised modes, with existing solutions either being inflexible or only effective on rigid headers.

Innovation Solution

A gauging system for crop harvesting headers that includes a main frame structure with pivot couplings, a suspension system, and gauge wheels, allowing for flexible operation by distributing lifting forces across the header width and using gauge wheels to support the header at controlled heights, enabling operation both close to the ground and in raised modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the header uses a rigid structure with fixed sections, then the header can maintain controlled height at the center, but the outer ends of the wing sections deviate substantially from the controlled height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight control precisionVSAvoidheader structure stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The header is divided into multiple independent sections (center section and wing sections) that can move relative to each other. Each section has its own gauge wheels and lifting forces, allowing independent height control while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the center section to maintain precise height control while the wing sections can adjust independently to compensate for rolling movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the header sections from fixed to movable by introducing pivot couplings and balance linkages. The lifting forces are dynamically adjusted based on ground contact points, allowing the header to adapt its configuration between floating mode (for tall crops) and grounded mode (for low crops), thereby maintaining height control precision across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the header operates in floating mode for tall crops, then the cutter bar can clear tall crops, but the header loses stability and cannot maintain controlled height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation mode flexibilityVSAvoidheight control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The header employs dynamic characteristics by allowing the sections to move relative to each other through pivot couplings. The balance linkages dynamically distribute lifting forces based on ground contact points, enabling the header to adapt between floating mode (for tall crops) and grounded mode (for low crops). This dynamic system maintains height control precision by continuously adjusting the position of gauge wheels and lifting forces according to operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the header uses skid elements to ride along the ground for low crop cutting, then the header can cut close to the ground, but the header cannot maintain controlled height when raised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelow crop cutting capabilityVSAvoidheight control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gauge wheels serve multiple functions: they provide ground contact for low crop cutting when the header is in grounded mode, and they maintain height control when the header is in floating mode for tall crops. The balance linkages and lifting forces work together to distribute weight and maintain controlled height across both operating modes, making the system universally applicable to both low and tall crop cutting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Force

If the header is supported entirely by lifting forces from the combine harvester, then the header can be raised for tall crops, but the outer ends of wing sections deviate from controlled height due to rolling movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting forceVSAvoidheight control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gauge wheels act as intermediaries between the lifting forces and the ground. They receive lifting forces from the balance linkages and transfer them to the ground through rolling contact, maintaining controlled height at the outer ends of the wing sections. The balance linkages serve as intermediaries to distribute lifting forces evenly across the header width, compensating for rolling movement and maintaining height control precision even when the header is fully raised.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9775291B2Gauge wheels for a multi-section agricultural header

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 MACDON INDS

AI summary

A gauging system is adapted for use with a crop harvesting header of the type having a pair of wing frame portions connected to a center frame portion by a balancing linkage and which is operable in a first mode of operation by engagement of a skid plate of each wing frame portion along the ground. In one embodiment of the invention, the gauging system includes i) outer gauge wheels supporting the outer ends of the wing frame portions such that the skid plate is at a controlled distance from the ground and ii) inner gauge wheels proximate the center frame portion for supporting the inner ends of the wing frame portions such that the skid plate is at a controlled distance from the ground according to a second mode of operation of the header.