Header Support Arm for Crop Harvester Hose Management
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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 due to the complexity of managing hydraulic hoses and maintaining stability during up-and-down and twisting movements.
Innovation Solution
A flexible conduit assembly with articulation components and support members is used to connect pressurized fluid from the tractor to the header, allowing for easy disconnection and reconnection while preventing hose collapse, and a mounting assembly that supports the header for upward, downward, and twisting movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the header is made separable from the tractor for easier transport and operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of the mounting and disconnection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into separable components including a quick-attach mechanism with interlocking elements that allow the header to be disconnected from the tractor in minutes rather than hours. The hydraulic quick-connect couplings are segmented into male and female components that automatically align and connect when brought together.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly incorporates dynamic elements such as hydraulic cylinders and articulated arms that automatically adjust to accommodate the header's movements during operation. The system transitions between locked and unlocked states seamlessly, allowing for quick attachment and detachment while maintaining stability during use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the header is allowed to move up-and-down and twist relative to the tractor during operation, then the adaptability to ground conditions is improved, but the management of hydraulic hoses becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic connection system uses flexible hoses with reinforced walls that can accommodate the header's up-and-down and twisting movements without kinking or collapsing. These flexible conduits are routed through protective channels and guided by articulation components that maintain proper alignment while allowing necessary movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Articulation components and swing joints act as intermediaries between the rigid tractor frame and the moving header, allowing hydraulic hoses to flex and articulate naturally as the header moves. These intermediary elements prevent hose collapse and maintain fluid flow despite the relative movements between header and tractor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conduit assembly is made flexible to accommodate header movements, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of conduit collapse during disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit assembly uses flexible hoses with reinforced walls that can accommodate the header's up-and-down and twisting movements without kinking or collapsing. These flexible conduits are routed through protective channels and guided by articulation components that maintain proper alignment while allowing necessary movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates support members and positioning features that prevent conduit collapse before disconnection occurs. The flexible hoses are pre-positioned in protective routing channels and supported by articulation components that maintain their shape and prevent collapse during the disconnection process.
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 solution simplifies the process of disconnecting and reconnecting the header, reduces manual labor, and ensures stable operation and transport of the header, enhancing efficiency and ease of use in crop harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
an engine and hydraulic pump mounted on the tractor for providing a pressurized fluid output
Implementation Method 2
The articulation components may include a bearing or other friction reducing component
Data Source
AI summary
In a swather a support arm is attached to the header to carry the heavy hydraulic hoses which are connected to the tractor for supplying the drive fluid to the hydraulic system of the header. The support arm is articulated so as to accommodate the up-and-down and twisting movement of the header relative to the tractor during harvesting action and this supported to prevent collapse when the hoses are disconnected from the tractor manifold. The support arm is attached at the rear to the tractor preferably at the wheel strut by a releasable ball joint coupling. From the coupling at the wheel strut, there is a free portion of the hydraulic hoses which extends to the manifold at the tractor where the ends of the hoses are attached to manually graspable handle portions which can be lifted away and the attached to a bracket on the support arm.