Torque Transfer Linkage for Harvester Header Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide harvester headers, particularly multi-segment headers, experience significant deflection due to weight, affecting operation, harvesting performance, and appearance, making it challenging to optimize stiffness and weight.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a torque transfer linkage with double-shear pivot connections between the center and wing sections of the header, providing additional torsional stiffness to reduce deflection and improve the structural integrity of the header.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the hinge is reinforced to prevent deflection, then the deflection is reduced, but the hinge becomes excessively robust and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the torque transfer function into two separate mechanisms: the hinge connection for vertical pivoting motion and the torque transfer linkage for horizontal torque resistance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the linkage providing torsional stiffness without requiring the hinge itself to be excessively robust.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque transfer linkage acts as an intermediary mechanism between the center section and wing section upper frames. It transfers torque horizontally while allowing the hinge to maintain its primary function of vertical pivoting, thereby preventing deflection without requiring the hinge to be overly robust.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the header parts are made stiffer to reduce deflection, then the deflection is reduced, but the weight of the header increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the functions of vertical support (handled by the hinge and lower frames) and horizontal torsional resistance (handled by the torque transfer linkage). This allows the parts to be made only as stiff as necessary for their specific function, avoiding unnecessary weight while maintaining overall header stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque transfer linkage serves as an intermediary structure that provides the necessary torsional stiffness without requiring the main header parts to be significantly heavier. It transfers horizontal forces between sections, reducing deflection while minimizing weight increase.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the center section is raised to prevent ends from drooping, then the deflection effect is reduced, but the center section cannot be vertically situated to harvest all crop
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of raising the center section to prevent drooping, the invention inverts the approach by adding torsional stiffness to the entire header structure through the torque transfer linkage. This allows the center section to remain in its optimal harvesting position while the linkage prevents the ends from drooping below it.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque transfer linkage acts as an intermediary that distributes and balances the weight and forces across the header sections. It transfers torque to keep the header level, allowing the center section to maintain its optimal vertical position for harvesting while preventing excessive droop at the ends.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural vehicle header having a center section, a wing section, a hinge connecting the center section's lower frame to the wing section's lower frame, and a torque transfer linkage connecting the center section's upper frame to the wing section's upper frame. The torque transfer link has a first link, a second link, a first pivot connection joining the first link to the center section upper frame, and providing a respective single degree of rotational freedom between the first link and the center section upper frame, a second pivot connection joining the first link to the second link, and providing a respective single degree of rotational freedom between the first link and the second link, and a third pivot connection joining the second link to the first wing section upper frame, and providing a respective single degree of rotational freedom between the second link and the first wing section frame.