Articulating Header Failsafe Mode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Articulating harvesting headers face operational challenges when sensors or components fail during harvesting, as they lack a failsafe mode to continue operation effectively on uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

A control system that monitors the articulating header, alerts the user to faults, and converts the header to a non-articulating mode by locking or adjusting the lateral sections, allowing continued harvesting using a failsafe configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the articulating header uses sensors and control systems to adapt to uneven terrain, then the adaptability to ground contour is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when sensor failures occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to ground contourVSAvoidoperational reliability during sensor failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a failsafe mode that is prepared in advance through hydraulic systems and control logic. When sensor failures are detected, the system automatically transitions to a safe operational state, cushioning against the harmful effects of sensor failure and maintaining harvesting capability despite the loss of adaptive ground following.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful condition of sensor failure into a beneficial failsafe mode. The control system detects the failure condition and automatically transitions the articulating header to a non-articulating configuration, transforming the harmful loss of sensor data into a safe, predictable operational state that maintains productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If the articulating header converts to non-articulating mode upon fault detection, then the reliability is improved by enabling continued operation, but the adaptability to uneven terrain deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuity during fault conditionsVSAvoidability to adapt to uneven terrain

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operational modes of the articulating header into distinct states: normal articulating mode for adaptive harvesting and failsafe non-articulating mode for continued operation during faults. This segmentation allows the system to switch between modes based on operational conditions, maintaining reliability while accepting temporary loss of adaptability during fault conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability that allows the articulating header to transition between articulating and non-articulating configurations based on operational needs and fault conditions. This dynamic adaptability ensures the system can maintain reliability across varying operational states, accepting reduced terrain adaptation as a temporary trade-off during failsafe operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the header maintains articulating capability during sensor failure, then the adaptability is preserved, but the reliability worsens due to potential unsafe operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground following capabilityVSAvoidsafety during fault conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through fault detection systems that monitor sensor status and operational parameters. When sensor failures are detected, the feedback loop triggers a mode transition to failsafe operation, preventing unsafe articulating behavior and ensuring reliable operation even though ground following capability is temporarily reduced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If the control system implements failsafe mode conversion, then the reliability is improved by enabling continued harvesting, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliability during faultsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control system that serves multiple functions: normal operation control, fault detection, and failsafe mode management. By making the control system universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated failsafe mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving improved reliability through automatic failsafe transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3744166B1Failsafe mode for articulating harvesting header

Publication Date: 2022.07.06 CNH IND BELGIUM NV

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AI summary

A control system and method for operating an articulating header of a combine harvester in a failsafe mode. The method includes monitoring the articulating header, alerting a user when a fault condition is detected in the articulating header, and converting the articulating header to a non-articulating header in response to the fault condition so that the combine harvester may be operated in a failsafe mode.