Lateral Transport Frame for Narrow Harvester Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural mower-conditioner combinations, particularly pull-behind types, face challenges in transportation due to their wide width, requiring additional trailers and complex procedures, which are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A lateral transport apparatus integrated with the harvester, featuring a retractable transport wheel and pivoting mechanism, allows the mower header to be easily reconfigured between operating and transport modes without additional equipment, using a hydraulic system to pivot and retract wheels, enabling transport within the machine's operating width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a separate trailer is used to transport the mower-conditioner header, then the machine can be transported in a compact configuration, but the cost and complexity of the transport system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transport function is merged with the existing harvester frame structure. The trailer's transport capability is combined with the harvester's own frame, eliminating the need for a completely separate transport system. The frame includes integrated features like the transverse frame member and transport wheels that enable compact transport configuration while remaining part of the harvester itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvester frame serves dual functions: it supports the header during normal operation and enables compact transport when reconfigured. The transverse frame member and transport wheels are part of the universal frame structure that performs both operational support and transport functions, eliminating the need for dedicated separate transport equipment.
2Length of moving object
If a separate trailer is used for transport, then the machine width is reduced for transport, but the time and skill required to load and unload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The transverse frame member can be pivoted between longitudinal and transverse orientations, and the transport wheels can be raised or lowered as needed. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the operator to quickly transform the frame between operational and transport modes without complex loading procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvester frame performs its own transport function without requiring external trailers or separate equipment. The integrated transport capability allows the harvester to reconfigure and transport itself, eliminating the time-consuming processes of loading onto and unloading from separate trailers.
3Ease of operation
If the harvester is transported in operating orientation, then no reconfiguration is needed, but the width exceeds passage limits through gates and highways
Solution Approach 1:
The frame orientation is made changeable. The transverse frame member can be pivoted from a longitudinal position (during operation) to a transverse position (during transport), and the transport wheels can be deployed or raised. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the harvester to adapt its width to pass through gates and highways while maintaining ease of operation when in the operational configuration.
4Length of moving object
If a special trailer is used for transport, then transport capability is provided, but the cost of the transport system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transport functionality is merged into the existing harvester frame rather than requiring a completely separate trailer system. This integration reduces the total number of components needed and eliminates the cost of manufacturing and maintaining a separate specialized trailer while still achieving the required transport width reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple purposes: supporting the header during operation and enabling compact transport when reconfigured. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transport equipment, reducing overall system cost while maintaining both operational and transport capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel-supported frame for an agricultural harvester header having a tongue and a pivotally connected transverse frame, a retractable transport wheel connected to the tongue, and a pivoting mechanism for pivoting one of the supporting wheels approximately 90 degrees to align with the deployed transport wheel. The invention enables the harvester to be easily reconfigured between an operating configuration and a transport configuration. By rotating the transverse frame to align its transverse width with the direction of travel during transport, deploying the transport wheel, and aligning one of the normal support wheels with the transport direction of travel, the harvester is reoriented for transport along its lateral axis. The lateral transport apparatus is easily reconfigured by a single individual and requires no additional equipment beyond that integral to the harvester in order to reconfigure the harvester between transport and operational modes.