Harvester Head Segmented Side Parts Vertical Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural harvesting attachments face limitations in working width due to transport width and height restrictions, which restrict their operational efficiency and require time-consuming folding and reattachment processes for transport.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting attachment with a central part and pivotable side and outer parts that fold into a compact, vertically oriented 'sandwich-like' configuration for transport, utilizing hydraulic actuators to pivot the parts 180°, allowing for a larger working width while maintaining compliance with road transport regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the working width of the harvesting attachment is increased, then the harvesting productivity is improved, but the transport width and height restrictions are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The harvesting attachment is divided into a central part and multiple side parts (first side parts and second side parts) that can be independently pivoted. This segmentation allows the attachment to be folded into a compact configuration for transport while maintaining a large working width during harvesting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The side parts are made dynamically movable through pivotal connections, allowing them to transition between a horizontal working position and a vertical transport position. This dynamic capability enables the attachment to adapt its dimensions for both harvesting and transport requirements.
2Length of stationary object
If the side parts are swiveled upwards by 90° for transport, then the transport height is reduced, but the working width is limited by road transport restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The side parts are pivoted about horizontal axes that extend in the forward direction, allowing them to move from a horizontal plane to a vertical plane. This dimensional transformation enables compact stacking in the vertical dimension while minimizing the horizontal footprint for transport.
3Productivity
If a five-part header configuration is used, then the working width can be increased, but the transport width and height are still limited by road restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The second side parts are positioned between the first side parts and the central part in the transport position, creating a nested or sandwich-like configuration. This nesting arrangement minimizes both the width and height of the attachment during transport while accommodating all five parts.
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 a larger working width while ensuring a compact transport configuration, reducing the need for time-consuming folding and reattachment, and accommodating various types of harvesting machines and crops.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing hydraulic actuators to pivot the parts 180°
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The head (14) has a middle part (50) and two side parts (44, 46), comprising mowing and/or conveying elements (16-20). The side parts are pivoted around axes between an operating position and a transporting position at each side of the head in an opposite direction or same direction. The middle part is provided in the transporting position, and an outer part (48) is pivotably hinged around a horizontal axis between the operating and transporting positions. The axis is extended in a forward direction, and the outer part comprises the elements at the side parts outwardly.