Windrower Header Lift System Hydraulic Flotation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing header flotation systems for agricultural windrowers require numerous components, large extension springs, and separate hydraulic cylinders for lift and flotation, lacking the ability to independently adjust flotation force and often result in uneven lifting and floating due to unbalanced headers, necessitating heavy or awkward ballast or modified geometry.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic lift and flotation system using a single hydraulic cylinder for each side of the header, with an automatic control capability to switch to transport mode based on specific conditions, such as high speed or last control command, and employing hydraulic oil distribution to balance unbalanced headers, reducing mechanical and hydraulic shock loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate hydraulic cylinders are used for lift and flotation functions, then the flotation function can be provided, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation decreases due to inability to independently adjust flotation force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lift and flotation functions into a single hydraulic cylinder system. The same hydraulic cylinder that performs lifting also provides flotation by controlling oil flow to create hydraulic pressure that supports the header weight, eliminating the need for separate flotation cylinders and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder is designed to perform multiple functions: lifting the header to transport position and providing flotation support during operation. By making the hydraulic system universal, the patent reduces the number of components while maintaining both lift and flotation capabilities with independent adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unbalanced headers are used, then the adaptability to different header sizes is improved, but the lifting evenness deteriorates requiring heavy ballast or modified geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical balancing methods (ballast weights, geometric modifications) with a hydraulic balancing system. By controlling oil flow distribution to the hydraulic cylinder, the system can independently adjust flotation force on each side to compensate for unbalanced headers, achieving even lifting without additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the hydraulic pressure parameter dynamically to achieve balancing. By adjusting the amount of oil flow and resulting hydraulic pressure in the cylinder, the patent can compensate for weight imbalances and achieve even lifting and flotation across different header configurations without physical modifications.
3Productivity
If rapid header raising is performed, then the productivity is improved, but the hydraulic shock loading increases reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic cushioning by controlling the flow of oil into the hydraulic cylinder during the raising operation. The system gradually increases hydraulic pressure and oil flow rate, cushioning the impact that would occur with rapid raising, thereby reducing shock loading on hydraulic components while maintaining efficient raising speed.
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 simplifies the mechanical components, reduces assembly complexity, provides even lifting and floating, enhances operator comfort, and improves durability by using a single cylinder for both functions and automatic mode switching, accommodating a range of header sizes and weights without dealer assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A header flotation system typically use extension springs, either hydraulically or manually adjusted
Implementation Method 2
Some manufacturers are using an accumulator and hydraulic cylinders to perform the flotation function
Implementation Method 3
Some manufacturers are using an accumulator and hydraulic cylinders to perform the flotation function
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for automatically controlling a header lift system of an agricultural harvesting machine, particularly a windrower, to put a header of the machine into a transport mode wherein the header is raised to an elevated transport position, under certain specific conditions. Such conditions can include, but are not limited to, the machine operating in a high-speed range, the header not operating, the speed of the machine being above a predetermined level, and the last inputted control command being a header raise command. When in the transport mode, the lift system can also be operated in a float mode. Further, the header lift system can be returned to a normal mode when certain criteria are present for doing so.