Header Tilt Pilot Valve Locking for Mower Transport Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural mowing devices face challenges with integrated transport systems that are costly and time-consuming, leading to delays and increased operational expenses due to the need for separate transport trailers or complex actuator systems.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with a pilot valve and actuators that allows for efficient reconfiguration of the mowing device between field and transport positions, using hydraulic pressure to raise the header and deploy transport wheels, and a lock mechanism to maintain the header in the raised position during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a separate transport trailer is used to carry the mowing device, then the transport width is reduced, but the overall cost and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the transport system directly into the mowing device by incorporating transport wheels and a transport subframe that are part of the mowing device itself, rather than using a separate trailer. This merging eliminates the need for separate transport equipment while maintaining the ability to reduce transport width.
Solution Approach 2:
The mowing device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a cutting device during field operations and as a self-contained transport unit during transportation. The transport wheels and subframe serve dual purposes: supporting the device during transport and being integrally part of the mowing device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to pivot the mowing device for transport, then the transport capability is improved, but the deployment time and operational delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic transport system where the transport subframe and wheels can be selectively deployed and retracted. The system transitions between operational and transport configurations through controlled movement of the subframe, allowing rapid adaptation without the delays associated with complex multi-actuator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport wheels and subframe are pre-positioned and integrated into the mowing device structure, ready for rapid deployment. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex assembly or multiple actuation steps during transport configuration changes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If hydraulic pressure is continuously applied to maintain the header in raised position, then the header stability is improved, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system incorporates a check valve that automatically maintains the header in the raised transport position without requiring continuous hydraulic pressure or active control. The check valve self-regulates the hydraulic fluid flow, allowing the system to maintain stability passively once the header is raised.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous hydraulic pressure application, the system uses periodic action through the check valve mechanism that allows hydraulic fluid to enter the actuator to raise the header, then automatically maintains the position without continuous pressure input. The hydraulic pressure is applied periodically during position changes rather than continuously.
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 cost-effective and efficient transportation of mowing devices by reducing the overall width, minimizing delays, and ensuring the header remains stable during transport without continuous hydraulic pressure, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt actuator operatively connected between the header and the chassis and comprising a tilt actuator input path configured to receive a respective pressurized hydraulic fluid to operate the tilt actuator to move the header from the lowered position to the raised position
Implementation Method 2
The pilot valve is operatively connected to the first actuator input and configured to move to the closed position when a respective pressurized hydraulic fluid is received at the pilot valve from the first actuator input
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural machine having: a chassis; field wheels; a header having harvesting elements; a tilt actuator connected between the header and the chassis and configured to receive a pressurized hydraulic fluid to operate the tilt actuator to raise the header from a lowered position; and a hydraulic circuit configured to reconfigure the agricultural machine between a field position and a transport position. The hydraulic circuit has a pilot valve located in a tilt actuator input path and movable to selectively open and close the tilt actuator input path, and a hydraulic actuator configured to receive a pressurized hydraulic fluid to operate the actuator during reconfiguration of the machine from a field position to a transport position. The pilot valve is configured to close when pressurized hydraulic fluid is received from the actuator input, and open position when the hydraulic fluid is not received at the pilot valve.