Agricultural Header With Pivoting Gauge Members for Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crop harvesting headers with gauge wheels or skids are inefficient when used on flexible headers, as removing outer gauge wheels affects the efficiency of the harvesting process and limit the ability to adjust cutting height beyond 12.7 cm (5 inches).
Innovation Solution
A crop harvesting header with a gauging system that includes ground engaging members, such as skids or wheels, mounted on elongate support members, allowing for adjustable cutting heights up to 35.6 cm (14 inches) by pivoting and retracting these members, and a float suspension system for balanced movement relative to the propulsion vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gauge wheels are removed to enable ground-level cutting, then cutting efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases and operational convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge wheels are designed to be movable between a retracted position (for ground-level cutting) and an extended position (for elevated cutting). This dynamic configuration allows the same structure to serve multiple functions without requiring removal or addition of components, thereby maintaining operational convenience while enabling efficient ground-level cutting when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge wheel assembly serves multiple functions: it provides ground engagement for height control during elevated cutting, and can be retracted to allow ground-level cutting operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for different cutting modes, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gauge wheels are removed to achieve ground-level cutting, then cutting height adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge wheels are mounted on movable support structures that allow them to be retracted along the cutter bar. This dynamic positioning capability enables the same gauge wheel structure to accommodate both ground-level cutting (when retracted) and elevated cutting (when extended), achieving cutting height adaptability without increasing device complexity through simple mechanical movement.
3Measurement precision
If rigid header structure is used with gauge wheels, then height control precision is improved, but adaptability to flexible header configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge wheel support structure is designed to be movable along the flexible header's cutter bar, allowing the gauge wheels to maintain their height control function while adapting to the flexible header's configuration. This dynamic positioning capability enables precise height control to be maintained on flexible headers without requiring a rigid header structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A harvesting header is operable in a first mode of operation by engagement of a skid at the cutter bar for cutting along the ground. A gauging system operable in a second mode includes four ground engaging members supporting the header such that the cutter bar skid plate is at a controlled distance from the ground. The ground engaging members include a long skid and removable gauge wheels are carried on an elongate beam pivoted adjacent the cutter bar and extending to the rear of the frame and adjustable by an upstanding telescopic mast up to a position to allow the cutter bar to run on the ground. A resilient suspension can be provided at the rear of the beam at the junction to the post. The location under the table allows a very high adjustment of the cutter bar in the second mode.