Harvester Cutter Bar Buffer Device for Overload Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern cutting units for harvesting machines are prone to damage from point loads such as stones or bumps, leading to potential deformation and operational issues during harvesting, which existing reinforcement methods are undesirable due to increased weight and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A buffer device is coupled to the cutter bar for overload protection, allowing partial evasive movement when forces exceed a threshold, thereby absorbing loads without structural reinforcement, and is designed to hold the cutter bar firmly during normal operations, only allowing movement during overload situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cutter bar is reinforced to resist point loads from stones or bumps, then the strength and reliability improve, but the weight of the cutting unit increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a buffer device with a deformation body that can absorb impact loads before they reach the cutter bar. The deformation body is pre-positioned between the cutter bar and cutter bar frame to cushion against point loads from stones or bumps, preventing damage without requiring reinforcement of the cutter bar structure, thus avoiding weight increase while maintaining reliability
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cutter bar is rigidly fixed to the cutter bar frame, then the stability during normal operation improves, but the ability to absorb overload forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a conditional mounting system where the cutter bar is rigidly fixed during normal operation but can move relative to the cutter bar frame when overload forces exceed a threshold. The buffer device with deformation body enables this dynamic behavior - remaining stable under normal conditions while allowing controlled movement under overload to protect the cutter bar, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and overload protection
3Reliability
If the cutter bar is mounted in a floating manner to allow movement, then the overload protection improves, but the stability during normal harvesting operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer device with deformation body creates a conditional mounting system that is rigid during normal operation and becomes flexible under overload. The deformation body remains undeformed during normal harvesting, providing stable support, but deforms when threshold forces are exceeded, allowing the cutter bar to move relative to the frame for overload protection, thus achieving both stability and overload protection
4Strength
If structural reinforcement is added to the cutter bar frame to prevent deformation, then the strength improves, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies intermediary by introducing a buffer device with deformation body as a mediator between the cutter bar and cutter bar frame. This intermediary component absorbs impact loads through controlled deformation, protecting the cutter bar from permanent deformation without requiring structural reinforcement of the cutter bar frame, thus maintaining simplicity and reducing maintenance requirements while improving strength
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
This solution effectively reduces the risk of cutter bar damage by absorbing loads through evasive movement, maintaining stability during normal operations and preventing permanent deformation, thus minimizing maintenance and weight additions to the cutting unit.
Implementation Method 1
the buffer device comprises at least one deformation body made of an elastic material, in particular hard rubber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cutting unit (11) for a harvester comprises a cutting unit frame (25) and a cutter bar (17), held on the cutting unit frame, for cutting an agricultural crop. For the purpose of overload protection, the cutter bar is coupled to the cutting unit frame via at least one buffer device (35), said buffer device allowing an at least partial displacement of the cutter bar if the force acting upon the cutter bar exceeds a threshold value.