Header Structural Set for Uneven Terrain Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sugarcane and sweet sorghum harvesting machines are limited to in-line harvesting and struggle with uneven terrain, leading to material loss and inefficiency, as they cannot adapt to random planting configurations or compensate for ground unevenness between planting rows.

Innovation Solution

A structural set for the header assembly in sugarcane and sweet sorghum harvesters, featuring a girder with a central beam and pivoting support columns, equipped with return elements like helical springs and hydraulic mechanisms, allowing for lateral movement compensation up to 15° to adjust to ground conditions and maintain efficient harvesting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional sugarcane harvesting machines use a fixed header structure, then the machine structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the machine cannot adapt to uneven terrain and random planting configurations, leading to material loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to uneven terrainVSAvoidheader structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The header structure is transformed from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The support columns are made pivotable relative to the central beam, allowing the header to adapt its configuration to uneven terrain and different planting row arrangements while maintaining harvesting efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The header is divided into independent modular components: a central beam, multiple support columns, and pivotable connections. This segmentation allows each component to function independently and be adjusted or replaced separately, improving adaptability while managing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the header structure is made rigid and fixed, then the manufacturing precision and structural stability are high, but the machine cannot compensate for ground unevenness between planting rows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompensation for ground unevennessVSAvoidheader structural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support columns are designed with pivotable connections to the central beam, enabling dynamic adjustment of the header's lateral position. This allows the header to compensate for ground unevenness and maintain proper alignment with planting rows while preserving overall structural integrity through controlled mobility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The header structure allows changes in geometric parameters (angular position of support columns, lateral distance from central beam) to adapt to varying ground conditions. These parameter changes enable the header to maintain optimal harvesting position despite terrain variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the header components are permanently attached to the machine, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the machine must stop for maintenance when components are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous harvesting capabilityVSAvoidheader component replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The header is designed as a modular assembly with distinct components (central beam, support columns, cutting elements) that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation enables quick maintenance of individual components without affecting the entire header structure or requiring machine shutdown

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotable support columns are pre-equipped with mounting mechanisms that facilitate quick attachment and detachment. This preliminary design of easy-connect interfaces allows rapid component replacement, minimizing maintenance downtime and maintaining continuous harvesting productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient harvesting by compensating for ground unevenness, reducing material loss and maintaining high productivity, allowing for simultaneous harvesting of two planting rows without the need to stop the machine for maintenance, even if header components are damaged.

Implementation Method 1

at least one return element (17), preferably in the form of helical springs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

hydraulic and/or electrical mechanisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic mechanism: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10905049B2Structural set for header assembly and harvesting machine

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A structural set for assembling a header intended for harvesters is capable of compensation of the lateral movement of the header according to the ground conditions of the planting rows being harvested. More particularly, a structural set for assembling a header in an agricultural machine comprising a girder with a central beam interconnected to at least two structural columns, the central beam being provided with a pivoting point for engaging and fastening a bracket, and at least one return element of the bracket for returning the bracket in a substantially horizontal position when at rest.