Header Float Spring Calibration for Crop Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop harvesting machines face challenges in maintaining optimal header position and floating movement relative to the tractor, which affects cutting efficiency and swath formation, especially when encountering varying terrain or obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A spring float assembly system that connects the header frame to the tractor's mounting system, allowing floating movement and adjusting spring force to maintain the header at a preferred position, with a coupling mechanism that changes spring force to accommodate different phases of movement and weight distribution, ensuring effective cutting and swath formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spring float assembly system is used to allow floating movement of the header, then the header can adapt to varying terrain and maintain cutting efficiency, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a lift arrangement for vertical positioning, a spring float assembly for cushioning and floating movement, and a coupling mechanism for connecting the header to the tractor. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring float assembly provides dynamic adaptation to terrain variations by allowing the header to float upward when encountering obstacles and return to its neutral position when the spring force balances the header weight. This dynamic behavior enables continuous adaptation without complex control systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If spring force is increased to maintain header position stability, then cutting efficiency is improved, but the risk of header damage when encountering obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring float assembly acts as a pre-positioned cushioning element between the header and the tractor mounting system. When the header encounters obstacles or terrain variations, the spring absorbs impact forces before they can transmit to the header structure, preventing damage while maintaining position stability through the spring's restoring force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring float assembly changes the mechanical parameter of force transmission by replacing a rigid connection with a elastic spring connection. This parameter change allows the system to maintain stability through the spring force while reducing peak forces during impact events, thereby preventing header damage.
3Strength
If the header is rigidly mounted to the tractor, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to float and adapt to terrain is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The spring float assembly serves as an intermediary element between the rigid tractor mounting system and the header. It transmits the header weight and cutting forces to the tractor while allowing floating movement and terrain adaptation. The coupling mechanism acts as another intermediary, providing a strong mechanical connection that accommodates vertical movement while maintaining structural integrity.
4Manufacturing precision
If a complex calibration system is added to optimize spring force, then cutting precision is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring float assembly is designed to automatically self-calibrate during normal operation. As the header encounters varying terrain and crop conditions, the spring force naturally adjusts to maintain optimal cutting depth and floating movement. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual calibration systems while maintaining cutting precision.
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
The system enables the header to float and adjust its position optimally, maintaining cutting efficiency and swath formation quality across varying terrain, reducing the risk of header damage and improving operational speed and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
therein is provided a spring float assembly connecting the header frame to the mounting system so as to allow floating movement of the header relative to the mounting system of the tractor
Implementation Method 2
each of said first and second actuators comprises a hydraulic cylinder connected to an end of the respective one of said first and second spring assemblies
Data Source
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AI summary
A tractor having a header flotation system including a header having a header frame, a spring float assembly connecting the header frame to a mounting system at a first end of the tractor so as to allow floating movement of the header relative to the mounting system over a range of floating movement, the spring float assembly including at least one resilient spring which flexes in response to the floating movement and said at least one resilient spring including an actuator operable to ad just a spring force of said at least one resilient spring and including a spring calibration system comprising an initiator for initiating a calibration operation; a detector for providing an output signal indicative of a position of the header within the range of floating movement; and a control system arranged, when the calibration operation is initiated, to operate the actuator to change the spring force of the spring, to detect a predetermined position of the header within the range of floating movement and to set the actuator at a set condition when the predetermined position is reached.