Harvester Height Adjustment via Hydropneumatic Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled harvesting machines face challenges in adapting to uneven terrain and maintaining optimal operating positions during different states, such as passing through narrow areas or picking up/dropping off attachments, due to limited height adjustment and vibration issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hydropneumatic damping system in the caterpillar drive allows for adjustable spring deflection, enabling the machine to compensate for ground unevenness and inclinations, with a sensor system and actuation device controlling the crawler track's position to optimize height and reduce vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the height level of the harvesting machine is fixed, then the structure is simple and stable, but the machine cannot adapt to uneven terrain or different operating states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the height level of the harvesting machine adjustable rather than fixed. The machine incorporates a height adjustment mechanism that allows the operator to change the vertical position of the machine body relative to the ground. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the machine to adapt to uneven terrain and different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spring deflection is fixed, then the damping system is simple, but the machine cannot compensate for vibrations or terrain variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by making the spring deflection in the damping system adjustable. The damping system includes springs whose deflection or stiffness parameters can be modified according to operating conditions. This allows the machine to compensate for vibrations and terrain variations effectively while keeping the damping system design relatively straightforward.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the crawler track position is fixed, then the pick-up device has sufficient excavation height, but the machine cannot optimize position for different operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the crawler track position adjustable. The crawler drive system allows the tracks to be moved to different positions, including outer end positions, depending on the operating state. This dynamic positioning capability enables optimization of the pick-up device's excavation height and the machine's overall position for different operations while maintaining a manageable crawler drive design.
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 allows for flexible adaptation to varying terrain and operating states, enhancing the machine's stability and ease of attachment handling by varying the height and reducing vibrations, thus improving operational efficiency and ease of use on uneven ground.
Implementation Method 1
the height level of the harvesting machine can be changed by varying the spring deflection of the hydropneumatic damping system of the caterpillar drive
Implementation Method 2
a damping system to suppress vibrations in the crawler track that are caused when driving over uneven ground, or to achieve rapid decay of the vibrations
Implementation Method 3
a sensor system provided on the harvesting machine and a regulation and control device can detect an inclination thereof in relation to the ground
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-propelled harvesting machine (1) with a receiving device (3) for a front attachment and with at least one crawler track (7) equipped with a damping system, which is formed by crawlers (6) arranged on one axle of the harvesting machine (1) and on both sides of the axle, wherein the height level of the harvesting machine (1) can be changed by varying the spring travel of the hydropneumatically designed damping system of the crawler track (7).