Liftable Secondary Cutting Unit for Combine Harvester Header
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing headers for combine harvesters face issues with damage to the secondary implement when navigating impediments and during road transport, as the secondary implement is not adequately lifted relative to the primary implement, leading to potential collisions with wheels or ground obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a slide element connected to the link system is introduced, allowing for a translational movement that lifts the secondary implement relative to the primary implement, ensuring the secondary implement is positioned above potential collision points, thereby reducing the risk of damage and facilitating safe transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the secondary implement is positioned close to the ground for even ground processing, then the processing quality is improved, but the risk of damage when crossing impediments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a lifting device that enables the secondary implement to dynamically change its vertical position. During normal operation, the secondary implement remains close to the ground for even processing. When impediments are detected or during transport, the lifting device raises the secondary implement to a protected position, preventing damage while maintaining processing quality during operation.
2Loss of substance
If the header is designed for high-cut operation with primary implement elevated, then the stem mass is reduced, but the secondary implement becomes vulnerable to ground obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device provides dynamic protection for the secondary implement in high-cut configurations. When the primary implement is elevated for high-cut operation, the secondary implement can be independently raised to a protected position using the lifting device, preventing vulnerability to ground obstacles while maintaining the stem mass reduction benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the header frame and the secondary implement. It provides the necessary lifting force to elevate the secondary implement to a protected position, mediating between the high-cut operation requirements and the protection needs of the secondary implement.
3Device complexity
If the secondary implement is fixed in position relative to the primary implement, then the structure is simplified, but the ability to protect during transport and crossing impediments is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed position system into a dynamic, adjustable system. The lifting device adds controlled mobility to the secondary implement's vertical position, enabling protection during transport and when crossing impediments, while maintaining operational effectiveness through controlled positioning.
4Reliability
If the slide element is connected to the link system for lifting, then the secondary implement can be positioned above collision points, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide element connected to the link system serves as an intermediary lifting mechanism. It provides the necessary vertical displacement to position the secondary implement above collision points, mediating between the header frame and the secondary implement with a relatively simple mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism utilizes the existing link system and structural components of the header to provide the lifting function. By integrating the slide element with the available linkages, the system leverages existing structural elements to achieve the protection function with minimal additional complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A header (2) for a combine harvester (1) has a primary implement (6), a secondary implement (8) and a link (13) that is connected with the secondary implement (8). The header (2) further has a lifting device (16) with a slide element (20) that is formed and connected with the link (13) so that a translational movement of the slide element (20) causes a lifting of the secondary implement (8) relative to the primary implement (6).