Spring Biasing Mechanism for Automatic Header Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing header flotation system in agricultural harvesting machines often places the center of gravity too far back, causing the mower to fail to tilt forward automatically when lowered to the ground, requiring manual intervention to deploy the mower to an operating position.
Innovation Solution
A pull-type mower design incorporating a spring mechanism in parallel with hydraulic tilt actuators to apply a biasing force that tilts the header forward when the tilt actuators are depressurized, and using a double-acting hydraulic cylinder to ensure the header tilts forward automatically, reducing the need for manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the center of gravity of the mower is placed too far back with respect to the tilt pivot, then the mower can be stabilized in the raised position, but the mower fails to tilt forward automatically when lowered to the ground
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is introduced as a counterbalancing element that applies a forward tilting moment on the header. This spring acts as a mechanical counterweight that compensates for the backward center of gravity position, enabling the header to tilt forward automatically when the lift cylinders are retracted, while maintaining stability in the raised position when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual intervention is required to tilt the mower to operating position, then the center of gravity can be positioned for stability, but operator time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism enables the header to tilt forward automatically without operator intervention. When the lift cylinders are retracted, the spring's stored energy automatically propels the header into the operating position, making the system self-serving and eliminating the time loss associated with manual tilting adjustments.
3Device complexity
If a single-acting hydraulic system is used for lift and tilt, then the system complexity is reduced, but the header cannot maintain constant ground reaction force
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism serves as a mechanical counterbalance that continuously applies force to maintain the header in contact with the ground. This spring-loaded system ensures constant ground reaction force without requiring complex dual-acting hydraulic systems, as the spring's elastic force automatically compensates for variations in ground conditions and crop resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically adjusts the header's contact force with the ground based on operational conditions. As the header encounters varying resistance from crops or terrain, the spring's elastic properties allow it to self-adjust and maintain consistent ground reaction force without requiring active hydraulic control or operator intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the mower to deploy to an operating position automatically, maintaining a constant ground reaction force and reducing operator intervention, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of the header floatation system.
Implementation Method 1
A spring mechanism arranged in parallel to the one or more tilt hydraulic actuators is configured to apply a biasing force that tilts the header forward when the one or more tilt hydraulic cylinders are depressurized
Implementation Method 2
The tilt mechanism includes one or more hydraulic actuators and is configured to rotate the header about an axis transverse to a fore-aft axis of the header
Data Source
AI summary
A pull-type mower having a frame and a header movably attached to the frame, the header including; a cutting mechanism; a conditioning mechanism; a lift mechanism comprising one or more hydraulic actuators, the lift mechanism configured to lift the frame relative to a ground surface below the mower; a tilt mechanism comprising one or more hydraulic actuators, the tilt mechanism configured to rotate the header about an axis transverse to a fore-aft axis of the header; and a spring mechanism arranged in parallel to the one or more tilt hydraulic actuators, the spring mechanism configured to apply a biasing force that tilts the header forward when the one or more tilt hydraulic cylinders are depressurized.