Multi-Segment Reel Sprocket for Fast Header Speed Changes

Solution Overview

Problem

Current reel drive mechanisms in agricultural harvesters require significant disassembly and reassembly to change sprockets, leading to substantial equipment downtime and reduced harvesting efficiency, especially in multi-segment headers where axial mounting of sprockets is necessary.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of quickly disassembleable and reassembleable multi-segment sprockets with partial annular designs and a sprocket hub, allowing for rapid replacement of sprockets between reels without disassembling the reels themselves, using a system of fasteners to secure the sprockets to the shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional axial mounting of sprockets is used on reel shafts, then the drive mechanism can be securely mounted, but significant disassembly and reassembly is required to change sprockets, leading to substantial equipment downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure mounting of drive mechanismVSAvoidequipment downtime during sprocket changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sprocket is divided into multiple segments (first partial annular sprocket and second partial annular sprocket) that can be independently removed and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the drive mechanism to be quickly changed by removing individual sprocket segments rather than disassembling the entire reel assembly, thus maintaining secure mounting during operation while enabling rapid sprocket changes to reduce equipment downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-segment headers with reel drives between segments are used, then the header can accommodate complex harvesting configurations, but axial installation of driven sprockets becomes disadvantageous and requires reel disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvesting configurations of multi-segment headerVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance of drive sprockets

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sprocket is divided into multiple segments (first partial annular sprocket and second partial annular sprocket) that can be independently removed and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the drive mechanism to be quickly changed by removing individual sprocket segments rather than disassembling the entire reel assembly, thus maintaining secure mounting during operation while enabling rapid sprocket changes to reduce equipment downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If reels are disassembled to install different drive sprockets, then the correct sprocket can be installed for different harvesting needs, but the process is time consuming and reduces harvesting efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to install different drive sprocketsVSAvoidharvesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sprocket is divided into multiple segments (first partial annular sprocket and second partial annular sprocket) that can be independently removed and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the drive mechanism to be quickly changed by removing individual sprocket segments rather than disassembling the entire reel assembly, thus maintaining secure mounting during operation while enabling rapid sprocket changes to reduce equipment downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sprocket configurations with varying overall diameters can be quickly installed by changing the arrangement of modular sprocket segments. This allows the drive ratio to be adjusted for different harvesting conditions without time-consuming reel disassembly, maintaining adaptability while preserving harvesting efficiency through rapid parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11719322B2Multi-segment sprocket for a reel drive mechanism of a header of an agricultural harvester

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A multi-segment sprocket assembly including a sprocket hub and a multi-segment sprocket. The multi-segment sprocket includes a first partial annular sprocket having a first end that includes a first flange, a second partial annular sprocket having a second end that includes a second flange, and at least a first fastener for releasably securing the first and second partial annular sprockets to the sprocket hub. Also disclosed is a harvester reel including a reel drive mechanism that includes a shaft, and the aforementioned multi-segment sprocket attached to the shaft. Also disclosed is a method for changing speeds of a drive mechanism of for a header of and agricultural harvester. The method includes removing the aforementioned multi-segment sprocket having a first overall diameter from a shaft of the header, and replacing the removed multi-segment sprocket with an aforementioned multi-segment sprocket having a second overall diameter that differs from the first overall diameter.