Header Wing Suspension Compliance for Lower Combine Frame Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing the width of harvesting headers in combines leads to decreased crop yield efficiency due to the inability of rigid frames to conform to terrain variations and increased structural loads on the combine, necessitating reinforced structures that increase material and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting system with a pivotable header and a variable spring suspension system that allows the header wings to pivot within different ranges depending on the operational mode, reducing structural loads by adapting to terrain in harvesting mode and minimizing inertia in transport mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the width of the harvesting header is increased to improve throughput, then the harvesting rate increases, but the structural loads on the combine increase and crop yield efficiency decreases due to inability to conform to terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The header is designed with movable wings that can pivot relative to the center section to adapt to terrain variations. The suspension system dynamically adjusts the header configuration during harvesting, allowing the wings to move independently while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic capability enables wider headers to operate without imposing excessive structural loads on the combine.
Solution Approach 2:
The header is divided into a center section and multiple wings that can move independently. This segmentation allows each wing to adapt to local terrain conditions while the center section maintains overall stability. The modular design reduces the structural loads transmitted to the combine by distributing forces across multiple independent sections rather than requiring a fully rigid wide structure.
2Productivity
If the width of the harvesting header is increased to improve throughput, then the harvesting rate increases, but crop yield efficiency decreases due to rigid frame inability to conform to terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The header incorporates movable wings capable of pivoting to conform to uneven terrain. This dynamic adaptability allows the wide header to maintain contact with the ground across varying elevations, ensuring consistent harvesting performance throughout the width of the header while preserving the throughput benefits of the increased width.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the header into a center section and independent wings, each segment can respond to local terrain conditions. This segmentation provides the adaptability needed for terrain conformance while maintaining the overall wide configuration for high throughput harvesting.
3Strength
If reinforced combine structures are added to support wider headers, then the structural strength increases, but material costs and operational costs increase due to added mass
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic, movable wing design allows the header to adapt to terrain without requiring excessive structural reinforcement. By allowing controlled movement and flexibility in the header structure, the system reduces the peak loads and stress concentrations that would otherwise require heavy reinforcement of the combine, thereby reducing material costs and operational expenses.
4Strength
If the header is designed with movable wings to adapt to terrain, then the suspension system complexity increases, but the structural loads on the combine are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates movable wings with pivot mechanisms that provide the necessary adaptability to terrain. While this introduces some complexity, the design uses straightforward mechanical linkages and suspension elements rather than complex active control systems. The benefit of reduced structural loads on the combine outweighs the moderate increase in header suspension complexity.
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
The system enables wider headers without reinforcing the combine, enhancing harvesting throughput while reducing structural loads and maintaining a flat profile during transport, thus minimizing material and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a 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.