Agricultural Header Reel Assembly Pivot Joint Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of manufacturing and maintaining telescoping assemblies in reel assemblies of agricultural headers, which are necessary for the reel to flex with the frame, are significant due to the lack of clear adaptations to frame flexing in existing designs.
Innovation Solution
The reel assembly includes pivot joints that allow the arms to pivot about both local lateral and longitudinal axes, enabling the reel to flex with the header frame without the need for a telescoping assembly, thus maintaining consistent connection points and reducing manufacturing and maintenance complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping assembly is used to enable the reel to flex with the frame, then the reel can adapt to frame flexing, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reel assembly is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) that can independently pivot relative to each other through separate pivot joints. This segmentation allows each section to adapt to frame flexing independently, eliminating the need for a complex telescoping assembly while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses dynamic pivot joints that allow the reel sections to rotate and adjust their positions relative to the frame and each other. This dynamic configuration enables the reel to adapt to frame flexing through controlled rotation rather than requiring a complex telescoping mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping assembly is used to enable the reel to flex with the frame, then the reel can adapt to frame flexing, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reel is segmented into multiple independently supported sections, each connected through simple pivot joints rather than a complex telescoping assembly. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to adapt to frame flexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex telescoping assemblies with simpler, more economical pivot joint mechanisms. The pivot joints provide the necessary adaptability at a lower manufacturing cost, making the overall reel assembly more cost-effective.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping assembly is used to enable the reel to flex with the frame, then the reel can adapt to frame flexing, but the maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reel is divided into multiple sections supported by separate arms with individual pivot joints. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance as each section can be independently accessed and serviced, reducing overall maintenance time compared to a complex telescoping assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joints are designed to naturally accommodate frame flexing without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The simple rotational capability of the pivot joints allows the reel to self-adjust to frame movements, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A reel assembly of an agricultural header includes a first arm configured to support a reel of the reel assembly and a first pivot joint configured to pivotally couple the first arm to a frame of the agricultural header. The first pivot joint is configured to enable the first arm to pivot about a first local lateral axis of the agricultural header and about a longitudinal axis of the agricultural header relative to the frame. In addition, the reel assembly includes a second arm configured to support the reel and a second pivot joint configured to pivotally couple the second arm to the frame. The second pivot joint is configured to enable the second arm to pivot about a second local lateral axis of the agricultural header relative to the frame and to substantially block pivoting of the second arm about the longitudinal axis relative to the frame.