Agricultural Header Frame Assembly with Pivoting Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Harvesters face challenges in maintaining a consistent cutting height over uneven terrain, leading to uneven crop stubble and increased stress on the header and implement interface, which results in wear and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate frame assembly that includes pivotally mounted arms and springs, allowing the cutter bar assembly to flex and adjust vertically relative to the header frame, enabling it to follow terrain contours while maintaining a consistent cutting height and reducing stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the header frame is rigidly coupled to the implement interface, then structural strength is improved, but the cutting height consistency deteriorates on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is divided into multiple segments: an intermediate frame, a header frame, and multiple arms with pivot joints. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the intermediate frame provides structural strength while the articulated arms enable independent movement to maintain cutting height consistency on uneven terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including pivot joints that allow rotational movement and springs that provide flexible coupling. These dynamic components enable the header frame to adapt its position relative to the intermediate frame, maintaining cutting height consistency while the overall structure remains strong.
2Manufacturing precision
If the cutter bar assembly is flexible to follow terrain contours, then cutting height consistency is improved, but stress on the header increases
Solution Approach 1:
Springs are incorporated into the frame assembly to provide cushioning and absorb stress before it can damage the header. These springs flex to accommodate terrain variations, reducing the transmission of impact forces to the header structure while maintaining cutting height consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joints and articulated arms create a dynamic system that can independently adjust to terrain contours. This dynamic configuration allows the cutter bar assembly to follow ground variations without transmitting excessive stress to the header, as the joints absorb and distribute the forces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the header is rigidly connected to the implement interface, then structural stability is improved, but wear and maintenance issues increase due to stress
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is segmented into an intermediate frame and header frame connected by articulated arms. This segmentation isolates the header from direct stress transmission to the implement interface, maintaining structural stability while reducing wear on critical components through the flexible intermediate connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Springs are positioned at strategic locations in the frame assembly to cushion impact forces before they reach the header and implement interface. This beforehand cushioning reduces stress accumulation and wear, improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements while preserving structural 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
The intermediate frame assembly facilitates the cutter bar assembly to adapt to terrain changes, ensuring consistent cutting height and reducing wear and maintenance by isolating movement relative to the implement interface, thereby improving harvesting efficiency and reducing stress on the header and vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
springs coupled to the intermediate frame. Each spring is coupled to a respective arm of the arms, and the springs are configured to flex to enable movement of the frame of the agricultural header relative to the intermediate frame
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for an agricultural header includes an intermediate frame and arms coupled to the intermediate frame. Each arm is configured to couple to a frame of the agricultural header at a respective joint and rotate relative to the frame of the agricultural header at the respective joint. Each respective joint is disposed on an axis extending through pivot joints of the agricultural header. The pivot joints pivotally couple header arms to the frame of the agricultural header, and the header arms are configured to support a cutter bar of the agricultural header. The frame assembly also includes springs coupled to the intermediate frame. Each spring is coupled to a respective arm of the arms, and the springs are configured to flex to enable movement of the frame of the agricultural header relative to the intermediate frame.