Hydraulic Driveshaft Coupler for Automatic Header Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for coupling agricultural work vehicles with harvesting heads are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring manual alignment and connection, which hampers the operational speed and productivity of harvesting processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled agricultural harvester with a driveshaft and coupler system that uses hydraulic fluid to extend and retract a driveshaft and couplers, allowing for automatic engagement and disengagement of power transmission between the vehicle and the harvesting head, enabling quicker and more efficient coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual coupling method is used, then the coupling process is simple in structure, but the coupling time is excessive and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical coupling system with an automated hydraulic system. A piston driven by hydraulic fluid extends the driveshaft and actuates the key to engage with the receiving coupler, eliminating the need for manual alignment and connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic fluid to power the piston that extends and retracts the driveshaft. The hydraulic system provides controlled force to automatically position the coupler and engage the key with the receiving coupler, significantly reducing coupling time while managing system complexity through standardized hydraulic components.
2Loss of time
If automated hydraulic coupling system is implemented, then coupling time is reduced and productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the single coupler assembly: the driveshaft extension, key actuation, and power engagement all occur through one integrated hydraulic piston mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies control while achieving rapid automated coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is configured to automatically extend the driveshaft and position the key for engagement without external intervention. Once hydraulic fluid is supplied, the system self-actuates through the piston movement, eliminating the need for operator control during the coupling process.
3Extent of automation
If telescopic driveshaft with piston is used, then automatic engagement is achieved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescopic driveshaft that dynamically changes length through piston extension and retraction. This dynamic structure allows the coupler to adapt its position automatically during engagement, achieving full automation while the telescopic mechanism itself manages structural complexity through a single extending component.
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 significantly reduces the time required for coupling and uncoupling, enhancing the operational efficiency and productivity of agricultural harvesting processes by automating the connection process.
Implementation Method 1
a piston disposed inside the coupler body... The piston may be disposed in the coupler body to receive hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic fluid connector and to be actuated thereby
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An agricultural harvester (100) comprises a self-propelled vehicle (102); a feederhouse (104); a driveshaft (114) supported on the feederhouse (104), the driveshaft (114) having a first coupler (116) fixed to one end of the driveshaft (114), the first coupler (116) comprising a coupler body (420), a piston (416) disposed in the coupler body (420), and a first key (302) mechanically coupled to the piston (416) to be extended or retracted by the piston (416) to engage a mating coupler on a second driveshaft (120) of an agricultural harvesting head (106) that is supported on the feederhouse (104).