Harvesting Machine Header Connection with Movable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Attaching and detaching harvesting machine headers is labor-intensive, especially when headers from different manufacturers or with different configurations need to be aligned and connected to the harvester, often requiring the operator to leave the cab and dealing with complex driveline connections.
Innovation Solution
A drive arrangement with a movable driven shaft coupling and guidance means, such as a funnel-shaped portion, allows for relative movement between the driven shaft and header mount, enabling automatic alignment and connection of headers with varying orientations, facilitating the use of headers from different manufacturers or configurations without the need for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated coupling mechanism is used to enable operator to remain in cab, then ease of operation is improved, but alignment precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates movable elements that can change their position and orientation parameters during the attachment process. The driven shaft coupling can move relative to the header mount, and the guidance means can adjust the alignment parameters dynamically to accommodate variations in header positioning and manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid coupling to a dynamic movable coupling. The driven shaft coupling is designed to move relative to the header mount during attachment, allowing the system to adapt to different alignment conditions. This dynamic capability enables automated operation while compensating for alignment variations.
2Device complexity
If rigid fixed coupling is used between driven shaft and header mount, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different headers worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed with movable components that can adjust their configuration during attachment. The driven shaft coupling can move relative to the header mount, and the guidance means can accommodate different header orientations, enabling the system to work with headers from different manufacturers without requiring complex interchangeable coupling sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the primary driving connection, accommodates alignment variations, and adapts to different header configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single coupling design to work with various header types while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If precise manual alignment is required for coupling connection, then connection reliability is improved, but labor intensity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance means and movable coupling mechanism are designed to perform self-alignment during the attachment process. As the header approaches the header mount, the guidance means automatically guides the drive shaft into proper alignment, and the movable coupling adjusts to achieve reliable connection without requiring manual intervention for alignment, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance means performs preliminary alignment action before the final coupling connection is made. By pre-positioning and guiding the drive shaft into approximate alignment as the header approaches, the system prepares the connection in advance, allowing the movable coupling to complete the reliable connection automatically without requiring precise manual alignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive arrangement for a harvesting header (22) of a harvesting machine (10) having a running gear on which a feeder housing(20)is mounted. A front side of the feeder housing has a header mount (21) that moves relative to the feeder housing and on which the harvesting header(22) is detachably fastened. An automated coupling mechanism (32) is provided to link a driven shaft (33) from the harvesting machine to a drive shaft (34) of the harvesting header as the header is connected to the harvesting machine. The drive connector (45) connected with the header mount (21) is movable relative thereto during the attachment of the harvesting header to axially align the driven shaft and drive shaft as the harvesting header approaches the feeder housing during the attachment to accommodate differing header drive shaft orientations.