Self-Leveling Four-Bar Linkage for Agricultural Header Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implement suspension systems fail to maintain a consistent cut height on varying ground surfaces, both in the direction of travel and transversely, and do not provide self-leveling in the transport mode.
Innovation Solution
A four-bar linkage system with spherical and cylindrical bearings allows the header to raise and lower, rotate, and self-level, enabling it to adjust to ground contours and maintain a consistent cut height, with the ability to float and self-level when transported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single upper suspension arm and two lower linkage arms are used to raise and lower the header, then the header height can be adjusted in the direction of travel, but the header cannot maintain consistent cut height on ground varying in level both in the direction of travel and in the lateral direction
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into two independent four-bar linkage systems: one for vertical height adjustment and another for lateral self-leveling. This segmentation allows each system to independently control its respective degree of freedom, enabling the header to adapt to ground variations in both directions while maintaining consistent cut height.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic linkage mechanisms that automatically adjust the header's position and orientation in response to ground contour variations. The four-bar linkages provide continuous, smooth motion control, allowing the header to follow ground elevation changes while maintaining a consistent cutting angle through passive mechanical self-leveling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the header is raised to transport position, then transport stability is improved, but the header does not self-level in the transverse direction
Solution Approach 1:
The self-leveling linkage is designed so that when the header is in the transport position, the mechanical geometry of the four-bar linkage naturally positions the header at a level orientation. The linkage arms are configured with specific lengths and pivot points that create a mechanical equilibrium position corresponding to a level header orientation during transport.
3Device complexity
If existing suspension systems are used, then the structure is relatively simple, but the system cannot provide both height adjustment and self-leveling functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two four-bar linkage systems into a single integrated suspension assembly. The vertical adjustment linkage and the lateral self-leveling linkage are combined such that they share common components (such as the header and mounting points) while independently controlling different degrees of freedom. This merging achieves ground contour adaptation in both directions without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage, and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical and cylindrical bearings. The lower linkage arms of the four-bar linkage are maintained in compression while the upper linkage arms are maintained in tension. Due to the compression and tension in the linkage arms, the floating head will self-level in the transverse direction when raised, yet allow the header to float during operation.