Header Lift Linkage for Greater Float Travel and Lift Height

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crop harvesting headers with float systems have limited maximum lift height due to excessive float travel, restricting the ability to clear obstacles and maintain consistent cutting height during harvesting.

Innovation Solution

A lifting system for agricultural implements featuring a carrier frame, header frame, float link, sliding link, and limiter link, which allows for controlled relative movement and increased lift height by using a lift actuator and guide mechanism to manage the floating motion of the header frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a float system with large float travel is used to allow the header to follow ground contours and clear obstacles, then the header can avoid obstacles and maintain cutting contact, but the maximum height that the tractor is able to lift the header is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheader's ability to follow ground contours and clear obstaclesVSAvoidmaximum lift height of header

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The float link is divided into multiple segments (first float link segment, second float link segment) connected by a pivot joint, allowing independent movement of each segment. This segmentation enables the header to follow ground contours through pivoting action while the limiter link prevents excessive travel that would reduce lift height, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and maximum lift height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The float link system transitions from a rigid connection to a dynamic, multi-segmented linkage with pivot joints and limiter mechanisms. This dynamic structure allows the header to adapt to varying ground conditions through controlled pivoting and limiting movements, maintaining both obstacle-clearing capability and sufficient lift height for transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a traditional three-point hitch is used to couple the header to the tractor, then the header can be raised and lowered during use, but the maximum lift height is limited by the float travel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to raise and lower headerVSAvoidmaximum lift height

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-segmented float link system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the three-point hitch and the header. It mediates the lifting action by allowing controlled pivoting and limiting movements, enabling the header to achieve greater lift heights while maintaining the simplicity of three-point hitch operation for raising and lowering during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250351772A1Lifting system for an agricultural implement

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 MACDON INDS

AI summary

A lifting system for an agricultural implement having a carrier frame and a header frame includes a float link, a sliding link, and a limiter link. The float link has a first end pivotably coupled to the carrier frame and a second end pivotably coupled to the header frame to movably couple the header frame to the carrier frame. The sliding link has a first end operably coupled to the header frame and defines a guide slot proximate a second end. The limiter link has a first end movably coupled to the guide slot and a second end spaced from the first end. The limiter link is pivotably coupled to the carrier frame between the first end and the second end and is movable to control relative movement between the header frame and the carrier frame.