Multi-segment header backsheet extension assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvesters with multi-segment headers struggle to effectively collect seed and crop material when harvesting tall bushy crops, as material often falls over the backsheet and goes unharvested.
Innovation Solution
A multi-segment header equipped with a backsheet extension assembly, featuring backsheet extensions mounted adjacent to the top end of each backsheet and articulating joints between adjacent extensions, which allows the backsheet extensions to pivot and capture crop material effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multi-segment header with standard backsheet is used, then the header structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but seed and crop material falls over the backsheet and goes unharvested when harvesting tall bushy crops
Solution Approach 1:
The backsheet extension assembly is divided into multiple segments corresponding to each segment of the multi-segment header chassis. Each backsheet extension is mounted on a separate header segment and can move independently, allowing the assembly to adapt to the contours of tall bushy crops while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The backsheet extensions project rearwardly from the backsheets in a direction perpendicular to the main header structure, creating an additional dimensional barrier. This rearward projection extends the containment envelope of the header, preventing material from falling over the backsheet while harvesting tall crops
2Reliability
If backsheet extensions are added to prevent material from falling out, then material collection effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backsheet extensions are constructed from sheet material that can be bent and shaped to form the extension structure. This flexible construction method simplifies manufacturing compared to rigid framed structures, while still providing effective containment for preventing material from falling over the backsheet
Solution Approach 2:
The backsheet extensions are integrated with the existing multi-segment header structure, where each extension is mounted on a corresponding header segment. This merging approach allows the extensions to benefit from the existing structural support and movement mechanisms, reducing the need for separate complex mounting systems
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-segment header for an agricultural harvester including a multi-segment chassis and a backsheet supported by each of the multi-segment chassis. The multi-segment header further includes a backsheet extension assembly that has a backsheet extension mounted adjacent a top end of each backsheet, and an articulating joint extending between adjacent backsheet extensions. The articulated backsheet extension assembly follows upward and downward movement of the backsheets of the multi-segment chassis and blocks grain from passing over the backsheets and going unharvested.