Header Suspension Compliance for Wide Combine Terrain Following
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wider headers on combine harvesters, while increasing throughput, lead to decreased crop yield efficiency due to inability to conform to uneven terrain and increased structural loads on the combine, necessitating costly reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting system with a pivotally attached header and a variable spring suspension system that allows the header to pivot differently depending on its position, reducing structural loads and maintaining efficiency by adapting to terrain variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the header width is increased to improve throughput, then the harvesting system can cover more ground, but the header cannot conform to uneven terrain resulting in decreased crop yield efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple sections (center section and wing sections) that can independently pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows each section to adapt to terrain variations while maintaining an overall wide harvesting span, thus resolving the contradiction between width and terrain conformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The header transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with pivot joints. The ability of wing sections to pivot upward or downward relative to the center section enables the header to dynamically adapt to uneven terrain while maintaining its wide configuration for high throughput.
2Productivity
If the header width is increased to improve throughput, then more ground can be covered, but the structural loads on the combine increase requiring costly reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the header into pivotable sections, the structural loads are distributed across multiple joints and support points rather than concentrating force on a single rigid structure. This reduces the overall structural load requirement on the combine while maintaining wide header capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The header design changes the structural parameters by introducing pivot joints with controlled ranges of motion. This allows the header to maintain a wide configuration for high throughput while the articulated structure reduces peak loads through mechanical compliance, eliminating the need for costly combine reinforcement.
3Strength
If the header is made rigid to maintain structural strength, then the header can support its own weight, but it cannot adapt to terrain variations decreasing crop yield efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The header employs a dynamic articulated structure where wing sections can pivot relative to the center section within specific angular ranges. This dynamic capability allows the header to maintain structural strength while adapting to terrain variations, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joints are designed with controlled ranges of motion that allow sufficient terrain adaptation while maintaining structural integrity. The angular constraints ensure the header remains strong enough to support its weight while gaining the adaptability needed for uneven terrain.
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 wider headers without requiring reinforced combines, improving crop yield efficiency and reducing operational costs by minimizing structural loads during harvesting and transport.
Implementation Method 1
variable spring suspension system configured to selectively constrain the pivoting of the left wing and right wing relative to the center section
Data Source
AI summary
A harvesting system includes a header pivotally attached to a combine. The header includes a center section to which a left wing and right wing are pivotally attached. A suspension system of the harvesting system includes first and second engageable states that enable dynamic wing behavior and reduce structural load. The first state corresponds to a harvesting configuration of the header in which the wings are allowed to pivot to allow the header to follow changes in terrain. The second state corresponds to a configuration in which the header is elevated relative to the ground. In the second state, the ability of the wings to pivot is minimized as compared to the first state, which allows the header to be maintained in a substantially flat configuration while minimizing the amount of dynamic load imparted by the header on the combine during non-harvesting transport of the header.