Automatic Header Latch for Faster Feeder Housing Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coupling process between a header and a feeder housing in agricultural vehicles is cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring manual intervention for connection, which increases difficulty and time.
Innovation Solution
An automatic latch system is introduced, featuring a hook on the feeder housing that pivots and automatically engages with a receiving pocket on the header as the feeder housing lifts it, eliminating the need for manual connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection is used to attach the header to the feeder housing, then the connection can be securely made, but the time and operator intervention required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is designed to automatically engage and secure the header to the feeder housing without operator intervention. The hook automatically rotates to engage the receiving pocket when the feeder housing contacts the header, and the receiving bar automatically locks into place, making the system self-securing rather than requiring manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook is pre-positioned in a retracted position before coupling occurs. When the feeder housing lifts the header, the hook is already in place to receive the receiving pocket, and the receiving bar is pre-configured to automatically engage, ensuring the connection is established before any manual intervention would be needed.
2Reliability
If manual connection is used to attach the header to the feeder housing, then the connection can be securely made, but the operator intervention and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system automatically performs the connection function through the interaction between the hook and receiving pocket. The hook rotates automatically upon contact, and the receiving bar engages the pocket without requiring the operator to manually manipulate any components, thereby eliminating operator intervention entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of rotating hooks and engaging latches is replaced by an automatic mechanical system where the lifting motion itself drives the engagement. The geometry of the components (sloped top wall, pivot connection) converts the lifting motion automatically into the engagement action, substituting manual mechanical operation with automatic mechanical action.
3Productivity
If automatic latch is implemented, then the coupling efficiency increases, but the device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is divided into distinct functional components: the hook with pivot connection, the receiving pocket with sloped top wall, and the receiving bar. Each component has a specific function, and their simple geometric forms minimize complexity while achieving automatic engagement through their coordinated interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex actuating mechanism to drive the latch engagement, the system inverts the approach by allowing the lifting motion itself to drive the engagement. The geometry is designed so that the natural motion of lifting the header automatically causes the hook to rotate and the receiving bar to engage, rather than requiring a separate actuation system.
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 streamlines the connection process, reducing operator intervention and increasing efficiency by allowing the header to be automatically secured to the feeder housing, thus reducing the time and effort required for coupling.
Implementation Method 1
the top wall of the at least one receiving pocket being sloped at a downward angle such that the at least one hook is moved downwardly upon contacting the top wall
Data Source
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AI summary
An attachment system (200, 500, 800) for an agricultural vehicle (100) including a feeder housing (106) and a header (110). The attachment system (200, 500, 800) includes at least one feeder connecting member (202, 502, 802) configured for being located on and movably connected to the feeder housing (106), and at least one header connecting member (204, 504, 804) configured for being located on the header (110). The at least one feeder connecting member (202, 502, 802) is automatically connectable and securable to the at least one header connecting member (204, 504, 804) as the feeder housing (106) lifts the header (110).