Agricultural Harvester Sensor Mount Integrating Rotational Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control sensor assemblies for agricultural harvesters require multiple sensors and parts, leading to complex installation processes and a high risk of human error, resulting in increased delays, maintenance costs, and potential damage to components.
Innovation Solution
A single mount for the control sensor assembly that performs multiple functions, including controlling shaft end-play, acting as a rotational stop, and mounting the sensor, using a machined block with integrated features to ensure proper orientation and reduce the number of assembly parts, utilizing a non-contact magnetic sensor with a separate magnet and sensor body to maintain a precise air gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors and parts are used in conventional control sensor assemblies, then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (mount, sensor, rotational stop, and alignment features) into a single integrated control sensor assembly. The mount body incorporates built-in rotational stops and guide surfaces that previously required separate parts, reducing the overall component count while maintaining the assembly's functional reliability and control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural support for the sensor, provides rotational stops to limit movement, includes guide surfaces for alignment, and incorporates mounting features for attachment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and parts are used in conventional control sensor assemblies, then the functionality is improved, but the installation time and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control sensor assembly is pre-assembled as a single integrated unit during manufacturing, with all alignment features, rotational stops, and sensor mounting positions precisely configured in advance. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for operators to perform complex assembly steps and precise alignment procedures during field installation, significantly reducing installation time.
3Ease of operation
If conventional control sensor assemblies are installed, then the header height control function is achieved, but the risk of human error and improper orientation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mount body incorporates asymmetric guide surfaces and rotational stops that are geometrically designed to permit installation in only one correct orientation. These asymmetric features physically prevent incorrect installation attempts, eliminating the risk of human error related to improper orientation while maintaining ease of operation through self-aligning characteristics.
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
The solution simplifies the installation process, reduces the number of parts needed, and ensures correct assembly orientation, thereby reducing errors and maintenance costs while maintaining the accuracy of header height control, allowing the same assembly parts to be used on both sides of the header.
Implementation Method 1
The bushing includes a first end connected to the linkage and a second end housing a magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
A control sensor assembly (12) for an agricultural harvester is provided. The control sensor assembly (12) includes a linkage for connection to a header height control system, a bushing (16), a mount (18) and a sensor (20) mounted to the mount. The bushing (16) includes a first end connected to the linkage and a second end housing a magnet. The mount includes a body having a through hole (40) extending from a first surface (42) to a second surface (44) opposite the first surface for receiving the bushing (16) and a first rotational stop (34) about the first surface and adjacent the through hole (40). The sensor (20) is spaced from the second end of the bushing (16). The control sensor assembly according to the subject application is designed to provide an improved mount for the control sensor assembly that utilizes a single mount to perform multiple functions.