Rotating Lock Piston for Fast Header Cylinder Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of raising and lowering a combine harvester's header is time-consuming due to the need to manually lock and unlock it for transportation and harvesting modes, which affects operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder lock system that includes a cap-end fixture, a rod-end fixture, and a lock piston with protrusions and recesses, allowing for automatic locking and unlocking of the header, enabling quick transitions between transportation and harvesting modes by controlling the axial movement of the piston cylinder rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual locking and unlocking of the header is used, then the header can be securely locked in position, but the process becomes time-consuming and reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system uses the rod's own movement to trigger the locking action. When the rod moves to its retracted or extended position, it automatically engages or disengages the locking element through the interaction between the rod end fixture, lock piston, and cap end fixture, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is positioned and prepared in advance within the lock piston. As the rod approaches its final position during movement, the locking element is already in place to engage with the cap end fixture, ensuring immediate locking upon position achievement rather than requiring a separate locking step
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual locking and unlocking operations are performed, then the header can be secured for transportation and harvesting modes, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system transitions from static manual operation to dynamic automatic operation. The lock piston and locking element move dynamically with the rod, automatically adapting to the header's position changes and enabling quick transitions between transportation and harvesting modes without interrupting the workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The lock piston acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rod movement and the locking action. It translates the rod's linear movement into the engagement/disengagement of the locking element with the cap end fixture, enabling automatic mode transition based on rod position
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural system that includes a cylinder (54) and a rod (60) that moves axially in and out of the cylinder to raise and lower a header. A cylinder lock system (28) controls movement of the rod. The cylinder lock system includes a cap-end fixture (50) that couples to the cylinder and receives the rod. A rod-end fixture (52) couples to an end of the rod. The system includes a lock piston (74). The lock piston includes a protrusion (88). The lock piston rotates about the rod and selectively couples the protrusion to the cap-end fixture to lock and unlock the rod-end fixture to the cap-end fixture.