Header Driveline Coupling Assembly for Fast Harvester Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvesters require time-consuming manual operations for coupling and decoupling the header driveline to the main driveline, and existing automatic solutions are technically complex.
Innovation Solution
A harvester with a spring-operated assembly and automatic coupling mechanism that allows for quick and automatic coupling of the header driveline to the main driveline, enabling the header to move relative to the feeder with one or two degrees of freedom while maintaining a coupled state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual coupling of header driveline to main driveline is used, then device complexity is reduced, but coupling time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed to be movable relative to the holder along its longitudinal axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the second clutch part's position. This enables automatic engagement with the first clutch part while maintaining the ability to adapt to different operational positions, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and fast coupling through controlled mobility rather than fixed rigid connections
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-operated assembly automatically positions the second clutch part for engagement with the first clutch part without requiring manual intervention. The spring mechanism provides the necessary force to move the support arm and align the clutch parts, enabling self-service coupling that improves productivity while keeping the overall device complexity low
2Productivity
If automatic coupling mechanism is added, then coupling speed increases and productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a holder pivotably connected to the header frame, a support arm movable within the holder, and a spring-operated assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving automatic coupling through coordinated simple movements rather than a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm's ability to move dynamically within the holder along its longitudinal axis provides the necessary flexibility for automatic engagement. This controlled mobility enables the second clutch part to reach and engage the first clutch part automatically, improving coupling speed while maintaining structural simplicity through purposeful motion rather than complex actuation
3Adaptability or versatility
If header is allowed to move with degrees of freedom, then operational flexibility improves, but maintaining coupled state becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is pivotably connected to the header frame, allowing the header to move with one or two degrees of freedom while maintaining the coupled state. This dynamic connection enables operational flexibility for header positioning while the pivot connection itself maintains the reliable coupled state through controlled rotational movement rather than rigid fixed connections
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is separated into the holder assembly (pivotably connected to header) and the clutch parts (providing power transmission). This segmentation allows the holder to provide movement flexibility through pivoting while the clutch parts maintain the reliable coupled state for power transmission, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability
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
Facilitates quick and efficient coupling of the header driveline to the main driveline without manual intervention, reducing downtime and maintaining operational flexibility of the header.
Implementation Method 1
A spring maintains the support arm in a position lying upwards of the first clutch part when the clutch parts are separate from each other
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a
AI summary
A harvester according to the invention comprises a header (1) attached at the front face of a feeder (8) mounted at the front of the main harvester body. The main driveline of the harvester is coupled to the driveline of the header by a releasable clutch, the first part (24) thereof being located at the side of the feeder housing (11). The second clutch part (25) is rotatably coupled to a header driveshaft. According to the invention, the header (1) comprises a spring-operated assembly comprising a holder (30) that is pivotably connected to the header frame and a support arm (31) that is movable relative to the holder along its own longitudinal axis. The second clutch part (25) is pivotably connected to one end of the support arm (31). A spring (32) maintains the support arm in a position lying upwards of the first clutch part (24) when the header driveline is decoupled from the main driveline. The holder (30) is pivotable according to sufficient degrees of freedom to allow pulling the second clutch part (25) from the upward position against the spring force and coupling it to the first clutch part (24). The spring-operated assembly furthermore enables the movement of the header (1) relative to the feeder according to one or two degrees of freedom, while the clutch parts remain interlocked.