Harvest Header Wheel Assembly Retracting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased size of harvest headers for combines leads to transportation difficulties, requiring separate trailers and cumbersome wheel attachment and detachment processes, which are inefficient and costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A harvest header with integral wheel assemblies that can be easily converted between a harvesting and transport configuration, featuring swing arms and linkages that allow wheels to rotate and fold into a compact position along the rear of the header, eliminating the need for a separate trailer system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the header size is increased to improve harvesting capacity, then the harvesting efficiency is improved, but the transportation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly incorporates a swing arm mechanism that allows the wheels to dynamically change position between a deployed state for transportation and a retracted state for harvesting operations, enabling the header to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly is designed to nest within the header frame structure when retracted, with the swing arms folding inward and the wheels positioning themselves within the confines of the header body, eliminating the need for separate trailer transportation
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate wheels are attached for transportation, then the transportation capability is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is integrated as a permanent component of the header structure rather than being a separate detachable unit, combining the transportation function with the header body through shared structural elements like the swing arms and mounting brackets
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated wheel assembly serves dual purposes: providing transportation capability when deployed and being retracted to not interfere with harvesting operations, eliminating the need for separate trailer equipment and reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If wheels are made heavy for durability, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of removal and reattachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm mechanism provides controlled movement that allows heavy wheels to be easily positioned and secured through the pivotal connection, using gravity and mechanical advantage to facilitate movement despite the weight of the wheels
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 transportation and harvesting without the need for separate trailers, reducing maintenance costs and improving operational efficiency by keeping wheels permanently attached and folding them into a compact storage position.
Implementation Method 1
The first wheel component and second wheel component are configured to rotate about the first attachment point and the second attachment point, respectively
Implementation Method 2
a first linkage comprising a first end pivotally attached to the first swing arm and a second end pivotally attached to the rear member
Data Source
AI summary
A harvest header includes a transport system for converting the harvest header between a harvesting configuration and a transport configuration. The transport system may be retrofitted to existing headers or may be integrally constructed with a header. The transport system includes wheels that are retracted or rotated into a compact storage position against the rear wall surface of the header in a harvest configuration so as not to substantially increase the width of the header.