Automatic Spreader Parameter Setting for Agricultural Harvesters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural harvesting machines face challenges in evenly spreading crop residue due to improper setting of spreader parameters, especially when switching between different headers or encountering varying environmental conditions, leading to uneven distribution and potential issues like residue clumping and habitat creation for pests.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that automatically recognize the connected header, retrieve stored settings, and adjust spreader parameters using a controller and actuator system, incorporating input from sensors and remote data sources to optimize crop residue distribution based on header type, crop, wind conditions, and geographic features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual setting of spreader parameters is used, then operator control is maintained, but improper settings lead to uneven crop residue distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespreader parameter setting precisionVSAvoidoperator intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies the header type through detector elements and retrieves corresponding spreader settings from memory without operator intervention. The controller automatically adjusts spreader parameters based on the detected header, making the system self-configuring and eliminating manual setting errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of spreader parameters with an automated electronic control system. Detector elements identify the header type, the controller processes this information, and actuators automatically adjust the spreader settings, substituting the manual mechanical setting process with an automated electromechanical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If spreader settings are manually adjusted for each header, then settings can be customized, but operator error and inconsistency occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves multiple functions: it detects header type through detector elements, retrieves appropriate settings from memory, and automatically adjusts spreader parameters. This multi-functional approach ensures consistent reliable operation across different header types while managing complexity through integration rather than separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses detector elements to identify the header type and provides feedback to the controller, which then retrieves the corresponding settings from memory. This feedback loop ensures that the correct settings are automatically applied for each header type, maintaining reliability and consistency without requiring operator judgment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed spreader settings are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different headers and conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheader type adaptabilityVSAvoidautomatic detection and adjustment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spreader settings are made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts spreader parameters based on the detected header type, allowing the equipment to adapt to different configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility across different header types while managing complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary identification of the header type using detector elements before the harvesting operation begins. The controller retrieves the appropriate settings from memory in advance and pre-configures the spreader, ensuring the system is ready for the specific header type before operation starts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7487024B2Apparatus and method for automatically setting operating parameters for a remotely adjustable spreader of an agricultural harvesting machine

Publication Date: 2009.02.03 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

Apparatus and a method for automatically recognizing a header connected to a harvesting machine and setting operating and/or adjustment parameters of a spreader of the machine for use with the header. The apparatus includes a memory containing information representative of predetermined spreader settings for at least one header connectable to the harvesting machine, such as a grain header and a corn or maize header. A detector element is operable for automatically identifying a header connected to the machine and outputting a signal or information representative thereof, to a controller automatically operable for using that information for retrieving the stored information representative of the predetermined spreader settings for that header. Input commands and/or information, for instance, relating to crop type, and/or crop and environmental conditions, can also be inputted using either an onboard or remote input device. The controller then responsively controls a crop residue spreader connected to the machine as a function of the retrieved information and any inputted commands or information, if within predetermined permissible ranges.