Agricultural Header Attachment Damping Rolling Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural working machines with large cutting units face operational safety issues due to rolling movements causing high torques and potential damage when the ends of the cutterbar hit the ground, especially during turns when wheels lose ground contact and hydraulic fluid pressure increases, leading to abrupt deceleration.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of vertically movable, flexible supports that apply a counteracting force to the header attachment, coupled with a hydraulic system that includes pressure relief valves and buffers to gradually slow down rolling movements and prevent ground contact, ensuring the attachment's weight is distributed between the supports and the vehicle, thereby reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the header is supported by rigid wheels with double-acting lifting cylinders, then the working height can be adjusted during operation, but the hydraulic fluid becomes incompressible under high pressure during rolling movements, causing the lifting cylinders to block and resulting in abrupt deceleration that can damage the header
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning element (hydraulic damper or elastic element) in parallel with the lifting cylinder to absorb the impact energy before it reaches the hydraulic system. This beforehand cushioning prevents the hydraulic fluid from experiencing extreme pressure spikes that would cause blocking, while still allowing the lifting function to operate normally during steady-state conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (cushioning element or compliance element) between the lifting cylinder and the header that mediates the force transmission. This intermediary allows the hydraulic system to maintain control while preventing direct transmission of high-impact forces that would cause blocking and damage.
2Productivity
If the cutting unit is made larger to increase productivity, then the working width increases, but the distance from the roll axis increases, causing the ends of the deck to reach higher speeds during rolling movements and increasing the risk of damage when they hit the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counteracting force mechanism (such as a spring element or hydraulic damper) that applies a force opposite to the direction of the rolling movement. This counterweight effect reduces the net force on the header during rolling, preventing the ends from reaching dangerous speeds and reducing impact damage when contacting the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning element is positioned to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of the header ends before they can reach ground-contact speeds. This beforehand cushioning prevents the harmful high-speed impact that would occur with larger cutting units during rolling movements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the supports are made rigid to prevent pivoting movement, then the attachment stability improves, but the hydraulic pressure increases abruptly upon ground contact, causing the lifting cylinders to block
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the support system from rigid to compliant by introducing a cushioning element. This parameter change allows the support to maintain stability through controlled compliance rather than rigidity, preventing abrupt pressure increases in the hydraulic system while still providing sufficient support to prevent excessive pivoting.
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 enhances operational safety by damping rolling movements and preventing damage to the header attachment, allowing for smoother operation and reduced risk of mechanical failure during turns and uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure in at least one chamber of the first lifting cylinder is limited by a pressure relief valve. Thus, if the pressure in this chamber rises above the limit pressure of the pressure relief valve as a result of ground contact of the support, hydraulic fluid can flow out of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
the supports gradually slow down the rolling movement of the attachment, which prevents the frame from contacting the ground or at least dampens it to the extent that damage is avoided
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The agricultural working machine has an adapter (2) which is guided in driving direction during the harvesting process around an axis in a pivotally movable manner. The working machine has a frame carrying working tools. A unit is provided for applying a force, which acts on the chassis of the vehicle (1) or adapter.