Multi-axis floating header suspension for crop merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single windrow mergers fail to effectively follow ground contours, leading to wasteful crop loss due to their inability to adapt to terrain variations, resulting in reduced productivity, yield, and field cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A 3-D floatation header mechanism that pivots about two distinct axes, allowing the header to move in conjunction with the ground contours, incorporating a suspension assembly with linear actuators and pivot devices to maintain contact with the ground and adjust to obstacles, ensuring efficient crop collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mergers use gage wheels to maintain a fixed distance from the ground, then the header can be kept at a stable height, but the header cannot follow ground contours and leaves crop in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the static, fixed-height header with a dynamic suspension system that allows the header to move vertically and pivot to follow ground contours. The header is suspended from the towing vehicle via a suspension assembly with pivot points, enabling it to adapt its position dynamically as it encounters terrain variations, thus maintaining contact with the ground and collecting crop effectively across uneven surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the header structure into multiple independent sections connected by pivot points and suspension elements. This segmentation allows different parts of the header to move independently, with each section able to pivot and adjust to local ground conditions, enabling the entire header to conform to complex ground contours while maintaining crop collection capability.
2Reliability
If the header is raised over obstructions by gage wheels, then the header can clear obstacles, but the ends of the header also rise and miss crop in the windrow
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic suspension system allows the header to respond differently to obstructions than a rigid system. When gage wheels encounter obstructions, the suspension absorbs the impact and allows controlled movement, while the segmented structure with pivot points ensures that not all parts of the header rise uniformly. This differential movement prevents crop loss at the ends of the header while still clearing obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension assembly acts as a cushioning mechanism that anticipates and absorbs shocks from obstructions before they can cause the entire header to rise. The elastic and damping elements in the suspension system reduce the impact of obstruction encounters, allowing the header to clear obstacles smoothly while maintaining contact with the ground and preventing crop loss.
3Ease of operation
If the header pivots about a single axis perpendicular to direction of travel, then the header can be raised and lowered, but it cannot accommodate terrain variations along the length of the header
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-axis rotation to multi-axis movement by incorporating pivot points that enable rotation about multiple axes. The header can now pivot about an axis perpendicular to the direction of travel for height adjustment, and also about a longitudinal axis to accommodate terrain variations along its length. This dimensional expansion of movement capability allows the header to follow complex three-dimensional ground contours effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A crop merging machine includes a trailer frame, a drawbar assembly coupled to an axle, and a header assembly including a frame and a wheel. The merging machine further includes a pick-up assembly coupled to the header frame and a cross-conveyor assembly coupled to the header frame adjacent to the pick-up assembly. The pick-up and cross-conveyor assemblies are configured to cooperate to lift crop materials off the field surface and move the crop materials laterally to discharge onto the field surface to form a windrow. The merging machine includes a suspension assembly disposed between the trailer frame and header assembly, the suspension assembly being coupled to the header assembly and trailer frame and configured to allow the header assembly to pivot, relative to the trailer frame, about a first axis of rotation and to pivot about a second, distinct axis of rotation to follow a contour of the field surface.