Articulated Harvesting Head Height Control with Corrected Sensor Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine control systems are inadequate for accurately controlling the position of articulated headers, leading to inefficiencies in harvesting due to potential ground contact and improper operation on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A signal conditioning unit that processes signals from displacement and height sensors to generate corrected control signals for a combine control system, adjusting the magnitude of inboard and outboard height signals based on the wing section's position within its operating range, ensuring precise header positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the header width is increased to improve harvesting efficiency, then the number of passes required to harvest a given area is reduced, but the header becomes less effective at following ground contours
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into a center section and two wing sections that can move independently. Each wing section is attached to the center section through pivots, allowing them to articulate and follow ground contours separately while maintaining the overall wide header configuration for high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing sections are made dynamic through articulation mechanisms that allow them to change position relative to the center section. This dynamic capability enables the wide header to adapt to uneven terrain by adjusting the angle of each wing section independently.
2Reliability
If articulated headers are used to improve ground following capability, then the header can better navigate uneven terrain, but the risk of wing sections contacting the ground increases
Solution Approach 1:
Height sensors are positioned at the inboard and outboard ends of each wing section to provide real-time feedback on the vertical position and angle of the wing sections. This feedback is processed by a controller that adjusts the articulation of each wing section to maintain optimal clearance from the ground, preventing contact while preserving ground-following capability.
3Device complexity
If existing combine control systems are used to control articulated headers, then system complexity is minimized, but control accuracy deteriorates leading to improper header positioning
Solution Approach 1:
A signal conditioning unit is introduced as an intermediary between the height sensors and the existing combine control system. This unit processes the sensor signals to account for the articulated configuration of the header, applying appropriate correction factors based on wing section position to generate accurate control signals that the existing system can execute.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts correction factors based on the position of the wing sections relative to the center section. By changing these parameters according to the articulated configuration, the system maintains high positioning accuracy without requiring a complete redesign of the control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural vehicle header having a center section and a wing section movably attached to the center section. A displacement sensor indicates a position of the wing section within its range of movement. A signal conditioning unit receives input from a displacement sensor that indicates the wing section position, an inboard height sensor, and an outboard height sensor, and applies correction factors to generate inboard and outboard control signals. When the wing section is in a median operating range the inboard correction factor is larger than the outboard correction factor. When the wing section is in a higher operating range, the outboard correction factor is larger than the inboard correction factor. An agricultural combine having the header and a method for operating a header are also provided.