Pivoting Header End Hood Mount for Agricultural Harvester
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional corn header end hoods require significant movement and effort to access and service row units and gathering chains, posing safety and efficiency challenges during harvesting operations due to their design, which often results in blockages and difficult maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An improved end hood mount design that allows the hood to pivot between a closed and open position, moving outwardly and upwardly, reducing the operational effort and distance required for the operator to access the row unit and gathering chain components, utilizing a mounting assembly with a pivot axis that enables three-dimensional movement, minimizing the need for extensive hood movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional end hood designs are used, then the row unit and gathering chain are protected, but the operator must move the hood significantly to access these components for servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hood's movement from a single upward rotation to a combined outward and upward motion by repositioning the pivot axis. The pivot axis is located forward of the hood's rear edge and offset laterally, creating a three-dimensional arc trajectory that simultaneously moves the hood away from the operator and elevates it, reducing the effort and distance required for servicing
2Ease of operation
If conventional end hood designs are used, then the hood provides adequate coverage, but significant effort and distance are required to open the hood for servicing
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the pivot axis forward and laterally offset from the hood, the invention creates a compound motion trajectory. As the hood rotates outward and upward along this arc, the effective movement distance in any single direction is reduced, and the operator encounters less resistance throughout the opening sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the hood mounting dynamic by allowing rotation about a strategically positioned pivot axis. This dynamic mounting enables the hood to follow an optimized trajectory that adapts to the operator's positioning needs, reducing the static effort required to move the heavy hood cover
3Ease of operation
If the hood is moved significantly to access components, then servicing can be performed, but operator safety is compromised during intermittent harvesting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral offset of the pivot axis creates an outward component to the hood's motion, positioning the hood away from the operator's working area. This spatial separation reduces the risk of pinching or crushing injuries while the operator services the row unit and gathering chain beneath the hood
Data Source
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AI summary
A header (10) end hood (22A) mount for a harvester configured to allow an end hood (22A) on a corn header (10) to pivot about a mounting assembly (30). The mounting assembly (30) connected to the frame (12) for mounting the hood (22A) thereon includes a mounting bracket (26) affixed to the frame (12) to allow the hood (22A) to pivot between a first position covering the row unit (18A) and a second position spaced outwardly and upwardly from the first position to provide improved access to a row unit (18A) covered by an end hood (22A) during normal operation. The header (10) end hood (22A) mount according to the subject application is designed to provide an improved pivoting motion of the hood (22A) with increased access to a row unit (18A) covered by the end hood (22A) and requiring minimal movement of the end hood (22A) by the operator to improve safety.