Header Positioning Assembly with Electric Winch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional header positioning assemblies for agricultural work vehicles require significant manual effort and multiple individuals to adjust between orientations, as they are heavy and resist extension or compression due to hydraulic systems, making it difficult to accommodate headers with varying geometries, weights, and speed requirements.
Innovation Solution
A header positioning assembly with a lift mechanism and adjustment mechanism that allows for automatic orientation changes without uncoupling, using actuators to adjust the force location and direction, enabling easy interchangeability of headers and maintaining appropriate lift and floatation response to follow ground contours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional header positioning assemblies use hydraulic systems to support headers, then headers can be maintained in position, but the assemblies become heavy and resist extension or compression, requiring significant manual effort to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional hydraulic system with an electric motor-driven winch system. The winch uses a drum and cable arrangement to provide mechanical advantage, eliminating the need for heavy hydraulic cylinders. This substitution maintains the ability to hold header position while dramatically reducing the effort required to adjust between orientations, as the electric motor provides controlled force without the resistance inherent in hydraulic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The header positioning assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable between multiple orientations (e.g., 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees) using the winch system. The system transitions from a static hydraulic lock to a dynamic electrically-controlled positioning system that can easily move between configurations. The winch cable and drum arrangement allows smooth transitions while maintaining position when needed.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment of header positioning assemblies is used, then simplicity is maintained, but significant manual effort and multiple individuals are required to adjust between orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system is designed to be self-servicing through automated operation. The electric motor automatically winds and unwinds the cable to position the header, eliminating the need for manual pumping or forcing of hydraulic systems. The system serves itself by using the motor's rotational power to create the necessary mechanical advantage, requiring minimal operator intervention beyond activating the control.
Solution Approach 2:
While moving away from traditional hydraulics, the system incorporates an electrically-controlled mechanical advantage system that provides similar force multiplication. The winch drum and cable arrangement creates a mechanical system that can generate high forces with low input power, achieving the same effect as hydraulic systems but with electrical control and reduced physical effort.
3Reliability
If conventional linkage systems are designed for specific header geometries, then optimal performance is achieved, but unique linkages are required for each header type
Solution Approach 1:
The winch-based positioning assembly serves as a universal mounting system that can accommodate multiple header types (e.g., rotary mowers, conditioners, drapers) with different geometries and weights. Instead of designing unique linkages for each header, the single winch system provides adjustable mechanical advantage and positioning capability for all header configurations. The cable-driven system adapts to different header positions and orientations without requiring custom linkage designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the positioning function from the header-specific mechanics. The winch assembly is a standalone unit that provides the mechanical advantage and positioning capability, while the header itself remains a separate, interchangeable component. This segmentation allows the positioning system to be optimized independently and applied universally to different header types without redesign.
4Force
If heavy-duty hydraulic systems are used to support various header weights, then load capacity is increased, but the assemblies resist extension or compression and become difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy-duty hydraulic systems with an electric motor-driven winch system that uses a cable and drum arrangement. This substitution maintains the ability to support various header weights through mechanical advantage while eliminating the resistance to extension and compression that characterizes hydraulic systems. The winch provides controlled force application without the bulk and complexity of hydraulic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The winch cable acts as an intermediary between the electric motor and the header positioning mechanism. The cable transmits force from the motor-driven drum to the header linkage, providing a flexible connection that can accommodate movement and adjustment. This intermediary element allows force transmission without the rigid constraints and resistance associated with direct hydraulic cylinder connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an agricultural work vehicle is provided, the control system includes at least one controller, at least one control input device configured to send control signals to the at least one controller, and a header positioning assembly configured to interchangeably couple a plurality of headers to a chassis of a traction unit. The header positioning assembly is moveable between a plurality of orientations with each of the plurality of orientations providing a unique mechanical advantage. The at least one controller is configured to output a plurality of control commands corresponding to the control signals generated by the at least one control input device, and the control commands are configured to effect movement of the header positioning assembly between the plurality of orientations. An agricultural work vehicle is provided and includes the control system.