Pivoting Infeed Deck Cleanout Door with Automated Latching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing headers require operators to crawl underneath to manually open and close cleanout doors, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming for cleaning the infeed deck.

Innovation Solution

A pivoting infeed door system with a latching mechanism and actuating member that allows the door to be easily opened or closed without manual repositioning, featuring a latch connected to the door and a bar or linkage between the latch and the actuating member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual cleaning of infeed deck is performed by crawling underneath the header, then the cleanout doors can be removed, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleanout door removalVSAvoidtime required for cleaning operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows the cleanout doors to be opened and closed automatically through the actuating member and latching mechanism, eliminating the need for operators to manually crawl underneath and physically remove the doors. The doors self-open and self-close through the automated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of removing and reattaching doors is replaced with an automated actuating member and latching mechanism that uses mechanical advantage to open and close doors without manual intervention underneath the header.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If cleanout doors are manually removed by crawling underneath, then debris can be cleaned, but operational efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleanout doors automatically open and close through the actuating member and latching mechanism, allowing the system to clean itself without requiring operators to manually intervene underneath the header, thereby improving both productivity and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static manual door removal to dynamic automated operation, where the actuating member and latching mechanism enable the doors to automatically open for cleaning and close to prevent debris escape, improving operational simplicity and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If latching mechanism is added to secure the door, then door security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor securing reliabilityVSAvoidlatching mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the actuating member and the door, providing reliable securing functionality. The latch and linkage bar work together to ensure the door remains securely closed during operation while being easily actuated when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11825771B2Infeed deck cleanout door for a header

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A clean out system of a header for an agricultural vehicle. The header includes a frame with a floor having at least one cutout for allowing an unwanted material to pass therethrough. The clean out system includes at least one door configured for pivotally connecting to the floor and selectively engaging with the at least one cutout, a latching mechanism connected to the at least one door and configured for securing the at least one door to the frame, and at least one actuating member operably connected to the at least one door and configured for selectively latching the latching mechanism and pivoting the at least one door in between an open position and a closed position.