Agricultural Header Side-Wing Flex Control for Ground Following
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headers for harvesting row crops face issues with excessive flex range leading to mechanical damage, wear, and poor ground following due to the side wings exceeding their upward flex limits, especially in extreme terrain.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for adjusting the flex position of side wing sections on a header by using flex position sensors and a processor to determine and control the flex threshold, retracting skid shoe assemblies, and adjusting the header height to maintain optimal cut height and prevent excessive flex.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the side wings are allowed to flex with a sufficient range to follow most terrain, then the ground following capability is improved, but in extreme terrain the upward flex range may be exceeded causing mechanical damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a control system that continuously monitors the flex position of side wing sections using sensors and processes the data through a processor. When the flex position approaches a predetermined threshold indicating near-maximum flex, the system automatically adjusts the height of the side wing sections to reduce flex and prevent exceeding the maximum flex range. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling the side wings to operate at their full flex capability while automatically preventing mechanical damage when approaching limits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the side wings flex excessively to follow extreme terrain, then the terrain adaptability is improved, but wear to the skid shoes, flex linkage or header frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors flex position and automatically adjusts side wing height when approaching maximum flex thresholds, preventing excessive flex that would cause mechanical wear. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain terrain adaptability within safe operational limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting when the flex position approaches the threshold before actual damage occurs. By proactively adjusting the side wing height in advance, the system prevents the harmful effects of excessive flex and mechanical wear before they can manifest.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the side wings exceed their upward flex limits, then the terrain following is improved, but poor ground following occurs as portions of the header push or dig into the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors flex position and automatically adjusts side wing height when approaching maximum flex limits. This feedback control prevents the header portions from pushing or digging into the ground by maintaining flex within the optimal range, thereby resolving the contradiction between terrain following capability and ground following quality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for adjusting a header mounted on an agricultural harvester. The header includes a central section and at least one side wing section. The at least one side wing section extends between an inner portion and an outer portion, where the inner portion of the at least one side wing section is pivotally coupled to the central section. A ground engaging device is mounted on the at least one side wing section adjacent the outer portion. The ground engaging device has an adjustable height. The method comprises the steps of determining a flex position of the at least one side wing section relative to the central section, determining whether the flex position of the at least one side wing section exceeds a first threshold, and if it is determined that the flex position of the at least one side wing section exceeds the first threshold, decreasing the flex position.