Header Floatation Control Using Dual Accumulators for Cutter Head Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural machines with header linkage systems face challenges in adapting to different cutter heads for various crop materials, as rotary and draper style cutter heads require distinct floatation responses to maintain effective cutting and prevent plugging, which existing systems fail to manage efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a hydraulic system with dual accumulators and control valves allows for adjustable floatation responses, enabling the header linkage system to respond differently based on the type of cutter head attached, providing a faster response for rotary heads and a slower, more controlled response for draper heads to maintain ground contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the header linkage system is configured to exhibit a quick floatation response, then the rotary style cutter head can quickly move downward to maintain contact with the ground surface, but the draper style cutter head moves too quickly and is more sensitive to plugging with mud

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloatation response speedVSAvoidcutting performance

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the floatation response characteristics by switching between two accumulator configurations based on the cutter head type being used, allowing the header linkage system to adapt its speed characteristics to match the operational requirements of different cutter heads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the hydraulic parameters (accumulator configuration) to provide different floatation response speeds - a faster response for rotary cutter heads and a slower, more controlled response for draper style cutter heads, thereby optimizing cutting performance for each type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the header linkage system is configured to exhibit a slow floatation response, then the draper style cutter head moves downward at a controlled rate to prevent digging into the ground surface, but the rotary style cutter head cannot quickly move downward to maintain contact with the ground surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled downward movementVSAvoidground contact maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the hydraulic parameters (accumulator configuration) to provide different floatation response speeds - a slower, more controlled response for draper style cutter heads to prevent ground digging, and a faster response for rotary cutter heads to maintain ground contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single floatation response configuration is used for all cutter heads, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot efficiently adapt to different cutter head requirements for various crop materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloatation system structureVSAvoidcutter head compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The floatation system is segmented into two distinct accumulator configurations that can be selectively engaged, with the first accumulator providing a first floatation response and the second accumulator providing a second floatation response, allowing the system to adapt to different cutter head requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The header linkage system is designed with multi-functionality to work efficiently with both rotary style and draper style cutter heads by providing two different floatation response configurations, making the system universally adaptable to different crop materials and cutter head types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables the agricultural machine to efficiently adapt to different cutter heads, ensuring optimal cutting performance and preventing plugging, thereby improving operational efficiency and crop processing.

Implementation Method 1

A first rod side accumulator is in fluid communication with the rod side fluid port of the float cylinder. A second rod side accumulator is in fluid communication with the rod side fluid port of the float cylinder.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic Accumulator: Hydraulic Accumulator

Data Source

PatentUS11547049B2Windrower variable rate header floatation system

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 DEERE & CO

AI summary

An agricultural machine includes a float cylinder interconnecting a header linkage system and a frame of the machine. A first rod side accumulator and a second rod side accumulator are both in fluid communication with a rod side fluid port of the float cylinder. A first accumulator control valve is positioned to control the first rod side accumulator, and is selectively controllable between an open position allowing fluid communication between the first rod side accumulator and the rod side fluid port of the float cylinder, and closed position blocking fluid communication between the first rod side accumulator and the rod side fluid port of the float cylinder. The system provides a slower first float response with the first accumulator control valve open, and a faster second float response with the first accumulator control valve closed.