Header Intake Auger Height Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the height of an intake auger in agricultural harvesters is a complex and time-consuming process, requiring multiple steps and potentially disrupting the operation of the auger drive system, leading to inefficient crop flow into the harvester.
Innovation Solution
A pivotably mounted base plate system for the intake auger, with a pivot axis coinciding with the auger drive shaft, allows for height adjustment without affecting the spatial relation of the drive shaft and auger, and includes actuators for easy operation, ensuring the auger remains parallel to the header floor during adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the auger height is adjusted using traditional methods (loosening chain tensioner, readjusting auger, fastening components), then the auger height can be changed to adapt to different crop conditions, but the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming (about 30 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into modular components: a fixed header frame and a movable base plate assembly that can be independently adjusted. The base plate carrying the auger is separable from the main frame, allowing it to be adjusted without affecting other components. This segmentation enables quick height adjustment by simply moving the base plate along the header frame and securing it with quick-release fasteners, reducing adjustment time from 30 minutes to approximately 3 minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate is designed with dynamic adjustment capability through quick-release fasteners that allow the base plate to be easily moved between different height positions along the header frame. The fasteners can be quickly opened and closed without tools, enabling the operator to dynamically adjust the auger height in the field to adapt to varying crop conditions without prolonged downtime.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment steps are required (loosening tensioner, readjusting, fastening), then precise height control can be achieved, but the operational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent functional elements: position markers on the header frame indicate predetermined height positions, quick-release fasteners handle the securing function, and the base plate carries the auger. This segmentation allows precise height control through the position markers while simplifying the operation to just moving the base plate and engaging the fasteners, reducing the number of steps from multiple complex operations to a simple two-step process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-aligning features where the base plate with its fasteners naturally aligns with the header frame and position markers during adjustment. The quick-release fasteners are designed to self-latch when engaged, providing secure positioning without requiring additional tightening operations. This self-service design maintains precise height control while eliminating complex manual adjustment steps.
3Reliability
If the base plate pivot axis coincides with the auger drive shaft, then the spatial relation between drive shaft and auger is maintained during height adjustment, but the adjustment mechanism requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is pre-assembled with the auger and drive shaft in their correct relative positions at the factory, ensuring the pivot axis precisely coincides with the drive shaft centerline. This preliminary alignment eliminates the need for field alignment adjustments. When the base plate is mounted to the header frame, pre-drilled holes and positioning pins ensure the pivot axis aligns with the drive shaft, maintaining reliable drive system alignment while simplifying field installation.
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning intermediary component (such as a positioning pin or alignment fixture) is used between the base plate and header frame to ensure precise alignment of the pivot axis with the drive shaft during assembly. This intermediary element temporarily holds the base plate in the correct position while fasteners are engaged, ensuring accurate alignment without requiring high-precision manual positioning in the field.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A header (18) for an agricultural harvester (10) comprises a header frame (19) with a header floor. An intake auger (38) is rotatably mounted to the header frame (19) and driven by an auger drive shaft (72). The header (18) further comprises an intake auger adjustment mechanism with a base plate supporting the intake auger (38). The base plate (110) is pivotably mounted to the header frame (19) for pivoting around a pivot axis and relative to the header frame (19) to adjust a height of the intake auger (38) relative to the header floor, the pivot axis coinciding with the auger drive shaft (72).