Header Separable Tractor Mounting Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crop harvesting machines face challenges in efficiently disconnecting and reconnecting the header from the tractor during transport and operation, particularly in accommodating the header's up-and-down and twisting movements, which complicates the management of hydraulic hoses and affects operational efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A crop harvesting machine design featuring a mounting assembly that allows the header to move upwardly, downwardly, and twist relative to the tractor, with a flexible conduit assembly and support member that includes articulation components and releasable couplings to manage hydraulic hoses, enabling easy disconnection and reconnection while preventing hose collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the header is made separable from the tractor for easy transport and storage, then the ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of the mounting and disconnection mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into separable components including quick-release couplings that allow the header to be disconnected from the tractor in a simple operation, while each component remains relatively simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly incorporates dynamic elements such as articulation components that allow movement accommodation without requiring complex rigid connection mechanisms, enabling easy separation while maintaining operational flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the header is allowed to move upwardly and downwardly to accommodate ground contours, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability of hydraulic fluid supply deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible hydraulic conduits that can bend and flex to accommodate the header's upward and downward movements while maintaining continuous hydraulic fluid flow, eliminating the need for rigid piping that would restrict movement
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit assembly acts as an intermediary between the fixed tractor hydraulic system and the moving header, absorbing the movement variations and ensuring stable fluid supply to the hydraulic drive system
3Adaptability or versatility
If the header is permitted to twist relative to the tractor for better crop engagement, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of conduit connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible conduit assembly can accommodate twisting movements of the header relative to the tractor while maintaining secure connections, allowing the header to rotate and twist for optimal crop engagement without compromising hydraulic supply reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation components provide dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the header to twist and orient itself for better crop engagement while the flexible conduits dynamically adjust to maintain reliable connections throughout the range of motion
4Adaptability or versatility
If the conduit assembly is made flexible to accommodate header movements, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of hose collapse increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible conduit assembly uses specially designed flexible hoses that maintain structural integrity and prevent collapse while allowing the necessary flexibility to accommodate header movements, combining adaptability with reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit support member provides counterbalancing support to the flexible conduit assembly, preventing hose collapse under the weight and pressure of the hydraulic fluid while allowing the conduit to remain flexible for movement accommodation
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 design enhances operational efficiency by simplifying the disconnection and reconnection process, reducing manual labor, and ensuring secure hose management, allowing for bi-directional tractor movement and efficient transport of the header, while maintaining effective hydraulic fluid supply to the header system.
Implementation Method 1
an engine and hydraulic pump mounted on the tractor for providing a pressurized fluid output; a flexible conduit assembly having one or more conduits having an extent from the tractor to the header for connecting the pressurized fluid from the tractor to the hydraulic header drive system
Implementation Method 2
the conduit support member including articulation components providing articulation of said one end relative to the other end so as to accommodate said movements of the header relative to the tractor
Implementation Method 3
the conduit support member including support components providing support to the conduit assembly to prevent collapse thereof when said other end is disconnected from said other of the tractor and the header
Data Source
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AI summary
In a swather a support (16) arm (70) is attached to the header (23) to carry the heavy hydraulic hoses (25C) which are connected to the tractor for supplying the drive fluid to the hydraulic system (25E) of the header (23). The support (16) arm (70) is articulated so as to accommodate the up-and-down and twisting movement of the header (23) relative to the tractor (10) during harvesting action and this supported to prevent collapse when the hoses (25C) are disconnected from the tractor (10) manifold (25D). The support (16) arm (70) is attached at the wheel strut (16) by a releasable ball joint coupling (81). From the coupling (81) at the wheel strut (16), there is a free portion of the hydraulic hoses (25C) which extends to the manifold (25D) at the tractor (10) where the ends of the hoses (25C) are attached to manually graspable handle portions which can be lifted away and the attached to a bracket (81A, 81, 92, 98) on the support (16) arm (70).