Multi-Segment Harvester Header With Backsheet Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvesters face challenges in effectively preventing seed and crop material from falling over the backsheet and out of the header, while maintaining efficient crop engagement and operator visibility.
Innovation Solution
A multi-segment header design featuring a backsheet extension and multi-segment auger with varying flight diameters and a lowerable auger centerline, which captures and directs material into the header and enhances operator visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the auger center line is lowered to improve operator visibility, then visibility is improved, but crop engagement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The auger is divided into multiple segments (first auger segment, second auger segment, third auger segment) with different flight diameters. This segmentation allows the auger center line to be lowered for improved visibility while the varied flight diameters maintain effective crop engagement across different heights and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the auger have different flight diameters tailored to their specific positions and functions. The first auger segment has a first flight diameter, the second has a second flight diameter, and the third has a third flight diameter, allowing each local region to optimize for its specific requirement while the overall system maintains low profile for visibility.
2Loss of substance
If the backsheet is extended to prevent material loss, then material retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backsheet extension is implemented as a separate, modular component that can be independently configured and installed. This segmentation allows the extension to effectively prevent material loss while maintaining simplicity through modular design rather than integrating complexity into the main header structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The backsheet extension acts as an intermediary element between the main backsheet and the outer environment, providing an additional barrier against material loss without requiring fundamental redesign of the entire header structure. This intermediary approach adds functionality while preserving the simplicity of the original design.
3Productivity
If the multi-segment auger with varying diameters is used to maintain flighting across the header center, then crop engagement is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auger is manufactured as separate segments with different flight diameters, allowing each segment to be fabricated independently using standard manufacturing processes. This segmentation simplifies production compared to制造 a single complex auger with varying diameter, while maintaining the flighting configuration needed for effective crop engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Each auger segment is manufactured with the specific flight diameter appropriate for its location and function. The first segment has the first flight diameter, the second segment has the second flight diameter, and the third segment has the third flight diameter, allowing optimized local performance while using standard manufacturing techniques for each segment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-segment header (102) for an agricultural harvester comprising a multi-segment chassis (150) having a longitudinal support beam (152), an auger (156) extending widthwise across the multi-segment chassis (150) and adjacent the longitudinal support beam (152), and a backsheet extension (160) mounted to a posterior end of the longitudinal support beam (152) of the multi-segment chassis (150). The auger (156) and the backsheet extension blocks grain from passing over the backsheets (158) and going unharvested.