Header Transport Dolly for Precise Tow Vehicle Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural headers need to be removed from harvesters for transport due to space limitations on roadways, complicating the transport process.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural header transport system with a body, propulsion system, brake system, and input devices for controlling movement and coupling to a tow vehicle, utilizing electronic controllers and sensors for precise positioning and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the agricultural header is removed from the harvester for transport, then the space limitation on roadways is resolved, but the transport process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A self-propelled dolly serves as an intermediary device between the agricultural header and the towing vehicle. The dolly includes a platform for receiving the header, ground engaging components for movement, and a coupler for attachment to the towing vehicle. This intermediary simplifies the transport process by providing a dedicated platform that can be easily attached and detached, reducing the overall complexity compared to modifying the harvester itself or using simple flatbed trailers.
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning and alignment is used during coupling, then the system is simpler, but the positioning precision and alignment accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are implemented to detect the relative position and orientation between the dolly and the towing vehicle during the coupling process. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust the dolly's position and alignment, ensuring precise coupling without requiring complex manual positioning. The feedback mechanism simplifies the operator's task while maintaining high positioning precision.
3Ease of operation
If the agricultural header remains attached to the harvester during transport, then the transport process is simpler, but the roadway space limitations cannot be overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system segments the agricultural header from the harvesting operation by providing a dedicated transport platform. The header can be quickly detached from the harvester and mounted on the dolly's platform, creating a separate transport unit. This segmentation allows the header to be transported independently on roadways with space limitations, while the harvester can operate independently at the harvest site.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural header transport system may include a body, a ground engaging component in contact with a surface, a propulsion system coupled to the body and configured to propel the body over the surface, a brake system coupled to the body and configured to alter speed of the body over the surface, and an input device coupled to the body. The input device may be configured to actuate selectively one or more of the propulsion system or the brake system.