Agricultural Header Cutter Tracking Reel via Fluid Cylinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural headers with split reels face challenges in coordinating the movement of reel arms relative to the cutterbar, particularly in larger headers with multiple reel sections, leading to potential interference and system malfunctions due to issues with cam systems and electrical wiring.
Innovation Solution
A closed fluid system with a variable displacement fluid cylinder is used to adjust the position of the reel arm, where movement of the cutterbar translates into displacement of a second piston within the cylinder, which in turn adjusts the position of the reel arm, allowing for simultaneous control of multiple reel sections without lag or electrical wiring malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cam system is used to adjust the vertical position of the reel arm in response to cutterbar movement, then the reel position can be adjusted for single span reels, but the system becomes ineffective and complex for split reels with multiple sections
Solution Approach 1:
The reel is divided into multiple independent reel sections (first reel section and second reel section), each with its own reel arm and cylinder. This segmentation allows each section to be adjusted independently while maintaining overall coordination through the shared fluid system, resolving the complexity issue of controlling multiple sections with a single cam system.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid system (hydraulic or pneumatic) is used to replace the mechanical cam system. The fluid system includes a fluid source, fluid lines, and cylinders connected to each reel arm. This allows coordinated movement of multiple reel arms through fluid pressure transmission, providing simpler and more reliable control compared to complex mechanical cam systems with multiple contact points.
2Productivity
If electronically controlled cylinders are used to coordinate movement of multiple reel arms, then simultaneous control is achieved, but the system becomes prone to lag and malfunction due to wiring faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fluid-based control system instead of electronic control. The fluid system transmits motion and force mechanically through incompressible fluid, providing immediate response without electronic lag. The system includes fluid lines connecting a fluid source to multiple cylinders, ensuring reliable and simultaneous coordination of all reel arms without susceptibility to wiring faults or electronic malfunctions.
3Productivity
If the cutterbar is set to a forwardmost position in an extendable header, then cutting capacity is maximized, but the cutterbar enters the reel path causing interference and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The reel arm position is made dynamically adjustable through the fluid-controlled cylinder system. As the cutterbar extends to the forwardmost position for maximum cutting capacity, the fluid system automatically adjusts the reel arm vertical position to maintain proper clearance. This dynamic adjustment prevents interference between the cutterbar and reel tines while allowing the header to operate at full extension.
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 enables precise and responsive adjustment of the reel position relative to the cutterbar, preventing interference and ensuring reliable operation across varying crop conditions, with no system lag and reduced risk of malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
a closed fluid system with a variable displacement fluid cylinder is used to adjust the position of the reel arm, where movement of the cutterbar translates into displacement of a second piston within the cylinder
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural vehicle (10) includes a chassis (11) and a header (100) carried by the chassis (11). The header (100) includes: a header frame (101); a cutter (110, 910) movably coupled to the header frame (101); a reel arm (123, 525, 535) pivotably coupled to the header frame (101); and a reel (120) carried by the reel arm (123, 525, 535) and including a plurality of tines (121). The agricultural vehicle (10) is characterized by a variable displacement fluid cylinder (200, 600) including an interior chamber (210, 610), a first piston (220, 620) linked to the reel arm (123) placed within the interior chamber (210, 610) and a second piston (230, 630) placed within the interior chamber (210, 610), the interior chamber (210, 610) defining a shared volume (211, 611) between the first piston (220, 620) and the second piston (230, 630); and a piston driver (300, 640) linked to the cutter (110, 910) and configured to translate movement of the cutter (110, 910) relative to the header frame (101) into displacement of the second piston (230, 630) within the interior chamber (210, 610).