Removable Divider Point Assembly for Narrower Header Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing harvesting headers with divider points are too wide for safe transportation on public roadways without special permits, necessitating their removal before relocation, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A harvesting header design with interchangeable divider points that can be easily attached and detached by a single person without tools, allowing for quick conversion to a narrower configuration for road transport and easy reattachment at the destination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If divider points are extended forward or upward from the front of the divider to harvest certain crops, then the header becomes too wide for transportation on public roadways without special permits, but removing them before relocation is inconvenient and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrop harvesting capabilityVSAvoidheader width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The divider point assembly is segmented into separable components: the divider point can be detached from the divider body. This allows the header width to be reduced by removing extended divider points before transportation, while maintaining full harvesting capability when points are attached

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The divider point configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Users can attach or detach divider points based on operational needs versus transportation requirements, enabling the header to adapt its width dynamically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If divider points are removed before transportation to reduce header width, then transportation becomes feasible, but the process is inconvenient and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheader widthVSAvoiddivider point attachment/detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The divider point assembly is designed as separable components that can be independently removed, allowing straightforward width reduction without complex disassembly procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The divider points are designed as removable, replaceable components rather than permanent fixtures, enabling quick detachment and reattachment without specialized tools or procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4002987B1Divider points, harvesting headers configured to receive removable divider points, and related methods

Publication Date: 2026.01.14 AGCO CORP

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AI summary

A harvesting header includes a header frame structured to be coupled to a crop-harvesting machine, dividers at each end of the header frame, and at least one harvesting tool carried by the header frame between the firth divider and the second divider. Each divider defines a tube therein structured to slidingly receive a divider point, Latches are configured to be partially within the tubes in one position, and entirely outside the tubes in another position, A divider point for a harvesting header includes a longitudinal member having a straight portion with a catch defined therein configured to he received within a tube defined by a divider of the harvesting header and a body extending from the longitudinal member, Methods of transporting and preparing harvesting headers are also disclosed.