Hydraulic Wing Locking for Wide Header Terrain Following
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased width of harvesting headers in combine harvesters, while improving throughput, leads to decreased crop yield efficiency due to the inability to conform to uneven terrain and increased structural loads on the combine, necessitating reinforced structures that increase costs and operational burdens.
Innovation Solution
A variable spring rate suspension system that allows the header to pivot and adapt to terrain variations during harvesting while minimizing downward displacement during non-harvesting transport, reducing structural loads on the combine by constraining wing movement to specific ranges based on operational configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the header width is increased to improve throughput, then the harvesting rate increases, but the ability to conform to uneven terrain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into a center section and multiple hinged wings that can move independently. Each wing is equipped with its own fluid cylinder and accumulator system, allowing individual sections to adapt to terrain variations while maintaining overall header width for high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing sections are made dynamically movable through hydraulic cylinders and accumulators. The system transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling the wings to pivot and conform to uneven terrain during harvesting while maintaining structural integrity.
2Productivity
If the header width is increased to improve throughput, then the harvesting rate increases, but the structural loads on the combine increase
Solution Approach 1:
The header structure is segmented into independent wing sections that can move separately from the center section. This segmentation distributes and reduces the structural loads transmitted to the combine, allowing wider headers without requiring reinforced combine structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the wing sections by locking them in position during transport and unlocking them during harvesting. This parameter change allows the header to operate in two distinct modes, reducing permanent structural loads on the combine while maintaining width for high productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wing is allowed to move freely to conform to terrain, then terrain adaptability improves, but the downward displacement during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing sections are made dynamically movable through hydraulic cylinders and accumulators. The system transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling the wings to pivot and conform to uneven terrain during harvesting while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulators automatically provide hydraulic pressure to the fluid cylinders, enabling the wings to self-adjust to terrain variations without requiring external hydraulic pump control during harvesting operations.
4Shape
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent wing displacement during transport, then the header profile stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulators automatically provide hydraulic pressure to the fluid cylinders, enabling the wings to self-adjust to terrain variations without requiring external hydraulic pump control during harvesting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic fluid cylinders connected to accumulators to control the positioning and locking of wing sections. This hydraulic system provides reliable locking during transport and smooth unlocking during harvesting with relatively simple control mechanisms.
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 enables wider headers for increased harvesting throughput without requiring reinforced combines, reducing stress on the combine and maintaining a flat header profile during transport, thus minimizing the risk of contact with the ground and dynamic loads.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid cylinder operably attached to a wing of a harvesting header... Fluid is permitted to flow between the fluid cylinder and the hose in each of the first position and second position of the valve
Implementation Method 2
an accumulator, a fluid cylinder operably attached to a wing of a harvesting header, a hose fluidly connecting the accumulator and fluid cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A harvesting system includes a header pivotably attached to a combine. The header includes a center section to which a left wing and right wing are pivotably attached. A wing locking 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.