Plastic Draper Track Ramp for Return-Run Cleat Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Draper cleats in draper headers wear due to rubbing against the support frame during operation, caused by the sagging of flexible side draper belts.
Innovation Solution
A draper track with a center portion and a ramp is mounted on the header leg, guiding cleats on the return run of the draper belt over the header leg, thereby preventing direct contact and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flexible material is used for side draper belts, then the belts can be continuous loops that are easy to manufacture and install, but the belts inherently sag causing cleats to rub against the support frame resulting in wear
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid track is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible draper belt and the support frame. The track provides a structured pathway with ramps that guide the belt cleats, preventing direct contact between the flexible belt and the support frame, thereby eliminating wear while maintaining the flexibility of the belt material
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the support structure by replacing direct rigid support with a tracked guidance system. The track modifies the interaction parameters between the flexible belt and frame through its ramp geometry, controlling the belt's path and preventing sag-induced contact
2Ease of operation
If the draper belt is made flexible to allow continuous loop operation, then the belt can move freely and adapt to positioning, but the flexibility causes the belt to sag and create friction against the header frame
Solution Approach 1:
The track serves as a mediator between the flexible belt and the rigid frame, providing a controlled interface. The ramps on the track guide the cleats along a predetermined path, allowing the flexible belt to operate freely while preventing harmful friction against the frame
Solution Approach 2:
The track incorporates curved ramp surfaces that guide the cleats in a controlled arc motion. This curvature allows the flexible belt to transition smoothly over the header leg while maintaining contact with the track surface, preventing direct contact with the frame and reducing friction
3Device complexity
If the cleats remain in direct contact with the support frame for structural support, then the draper assembly is structurally simple, but the cleats experience excessive wear over time
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between two components: the track provides structural support and guidance, while the belt provides the flexible conveying function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the track protecting the belt cleats from wear
Solution Approach 2:
The track acts as an intermediary support structure that bears the load and provides guidance, freeing the belt cleats from direct contact with the frame. This intermediary structure maintains structural integrity while preventing wear on the moving belt components
Data Source
AI summary
A draper track comprising a track portion and a lug. The track portion has a center portion and a ramp extending from an end of the center portion. The ramp is configured to guide cleats on a return run of a draper belt onto the center portion and over a header leg when the draper track is mounted on the header leg. The lug is fixedly coupled to the center portion of the track portion. The lug is configured to be coupled to the header leg.