Adapter Unit for Combine Harvester Attachments on Forage Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled forage harvesters face limitations when operating attachments designed for combine harvesters, as existing control systems cannot directly control the specific functions of these attachments, leading to inefficiencies during harvesting.
Innovation Solution
An adapter unit with a control and regulating module is integrated into the forage harvester, enabling it to perform control and regulating functions typically handled by a combine harvester, allowing for the actuation and regulation of attachments designed for combine harvesters, without requiring modifications to the forage harvester itself. This module includes a computing unit, memory, and software modules to manage hydraulic and electrical operations, and can connect to sensors for real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an attachment designed for a combine harvester is mounted on a forage harvester, then the versatility and adaptability of the forage harvester is improved, but the control system cannot directly control the specific functions of the attachment, leading to operational inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter unit as an intermediary device between the forage harvester and the combine harvester attachment. This adapter unit includes a control and regulating module that mediates the control signals from the forage harvester's control system to the attachment's functional elements, enabling indirect control of the attachment's specific functions such as picking gap width adjustment and chopping device operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter unit is designed with universal control capabilities that can handle multiple functions of the attachment through a single integrated control system. The control and regulating module can actuate various functional elements of the attachment (hydraulic and electrical operations), making the forage harvester capable of operating combine harvester attachments with full control over their specific functions.
2Productivity
If a control and regulating module is added to enable full control of the attachment, then the operational efficiency and control precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control and regulating functions into a single integrated module within the adapter unit. This control and regulating module combines computing unit, memory, and software modules to manage both hydraulic and electrical operations of the attachment, reducing the overall system complexity compared to having separate control systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control and regulating module is designed to autonomously manage the attachment's functional elements without requiring additional external control systems. The module includes software that can independently regulate operations such as picking gap width adjustment and chopping device control, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the adapter unit integrates control functions for hydraulic and electrical operations, then the precision control of attachment functions is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct functional components within the adapter unit: a control and regulating module that handles hydraulic operations, electrical operations, and software control. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of each component while maintaining overall integration, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to a fully integrated monolithic system.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled forage harvester is disclosed. The self-propelled harvester includes a mounting device having a feeder for harvested material and an adapter unit that is detachably arranged on the mounting device. The adapter unit is configured to mount and adapt an attachment designed for a combine harvester, with the adapter unit comprising a control and regulating module that is configured to perform control and regulating functions specific to the combine harvester for setting operating parameters of the mounted attachment.