Hydraulic Suspension for Crop Header Frame Force Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crop gathering devices face challenges in maintaining a consistent force between the device and the header due to uneven terrain and harvester velocity, leading to suboptimal crop conveying.

Innovation Solution

A suspension system using independently movable frame ends and hydraulic rams provides a substantially constant force between the crop gathering device and the header over a range of movements, utilizing pivotable connections and hydraulic accumulators to maintain force consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If springs are positioned between the crop gathering device and the header to reduce spacing deviations, then the spacing between the belt and ground is improved, but the force applied by the springs changes in response to changes in length of the springs (in accordance with Hooke's Law), resulting in non-constant force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacing between belt and groundVSAvoidforce between crop gathering device and header

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the suspension system by replacing spring-based suspension with a hydraulic ram system. The hydraulic ram maintains a substantially constant force through fluid pressure regulation, unlike springs whose force varies with compression according to Hooke's Law. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing both spacing stability and constant force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies hydraulic principles by using a hydraulic ram as the suspension mechanism between the crop gathering device and the header. The hydraulic system provides controlled, constant force through incompressible fluid pressure, eliminating the variable force characteristic of mechanical springs while maintaining the required spacing stability for optimal crop conveying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Strength

If the frame is rigidly connected to the header, then structural strength is maintained, but the ability to adapt to uneven terrain and maintain optimal spacing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of frameVSAvoidadaptability to terrain changes

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic elements by connecting the frame to the header through suspension members (hydraulic rams) rather than rigid connections. This allows the frame to dynamically adjust its position and angle in response to terrain variations while maintaining structural integrity. The suspension system enables controlled movement within defined angular ranges, providing both strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the frame is made more flexible to adapt to terrain, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength and stability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to terrain changesVSAvoidstructural strength of frame

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection system into distinct functional components: the rigid frame structure maintains strength, while separate suspension members (hydraulic rams) provide flexibility and adaptability. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and terrain adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Ensures consistent crop conveying performance by maintaining a constant force between the device and header, regardless of angular movements and terrain changes, enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A first hydraulic ram and a second hydraulic ram are each connected between the frame and the header to provide a substantially constant force to the frame between the first and second angles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic Accumulator: Hydraulic Accumulator

Implementation Method 2

The frame has opposed ends and is pivotably connected to the header, each end of the frame being independently movable between a first angle between the frame and the header and a second angle between the frame and the header

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8122694B2Suspension system for a crop harvesting header

Publication Date: 2012.02.28 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A suspension system is provided for use with a crop harvesting header including a frame carrying a structure movable about an endless path to deliver a crop to the header. The frame has opposed ends and is pivotably connected to the header, each end of the frame being independently movable between a first angle between the frame and the header and a second angle between the frame and the header. A first suspension member and a second suspension member are each connected between the frame and the header to provide a substantially constant force to the frame between the first and second angles.