Pivoting Agricultural Header Support Arms for Retractable Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural headers lack suitable structures for mounting sensors laterally between arms, making it difficult to monitor field properties and header height across the entire width of the header.
Innovation Solution
A support system with pivot joints and extendable support arms that allow sensors to be positioned laterally along the header, enabling monitoring of field properties and header height, and can be retracted to comply with road regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted on the header to monitor field properties and header height, then measurement capability is improved, but the header structure becomes more complex and wider
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support structure is divided into multiple independent support arms that can be laterally positioned between the reel arms. Each support arm is a separate, modular component that can be independently adjusted and positioned, allowing sensors to be distributed across the header width without creating a complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting sensors vertically on the header frame, the invention positions sensors laterally in the horizontal dimension between the reel arms. This lateral positioning allows comprehensive field monitoring across the header width while maintaining a compact vertical profile that does not increase overall header complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If support arms are extended laterally to position sensors across the header width, then monitoring coverage is improved, but the header width increases affecting road transportation compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are designed with pivot joints that enable them to dynamically change position between an extended configuration during harvesting (maximizing sensor coverage) and a retracted configuration during transport (minimizing header width). This dynamic adaptability allows the same structure to satisfy both monitoring coverage and road transportation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral extension parameter of the support arms is variable rather than fixed. During harvesting operations, the support arms are positioned in an extended state to provide maximum lateral coverage for sensor monitoring. During transport, the support arms are retracted to a reduced position, changing the lateral dimension parameter to comply with road width regulations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If support arms are made retractable to comply with road regulations, then transportability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are integrated with the existing reel assembly structure, sharing common mounting points and structural elements. The pivot joints and support arm mechanisms are combined with the reel support structure, eliminating the need for separate, independent retractable mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for sensors during harvesting, enable lateral positioning for monitoring coverage, and provide retractability for transport compliance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity despite the added adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A support system for an element of an agricultural header includes a support arm configured to support the element. The support arm is configured to extend along a forward longitudinal direction relative to a direction of travel of the agricultural header while the support arm is in an extended position. The support system also includes a pivot joint coupled to the support arm. The pivot joint is configured to pivotally couple the support arm to a frame of the agricultural header, the pivot joint is configured to enable the support arm to rotate from the extended position to a retracted position, and the support arm is configured to extend along a lateral direction relative to the direction of travel of the agricultural header while the support arm is in the retracted position.