Biasing Crossbar for Stalk Diameter Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesters face challenges in accurately sensing stalk diameters while harvesting, leading to inefficiencies in deck plate spacing adjustment, which affects crop processing and intake efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A stalk-diameter sensing system comprising deflectable stalk feelers, sensors, and dampers mounted on opposite sides of a stalk-receiving gap, generating signals for stalk diameter measurement and adjusting deck plate spacing to optimize crop processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stalk diameter sensing is implemented using deflectable feelers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components like sensors and dampers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensing systems with a simplified mechanical-deflection-based sensing approach. Stalk feelers mechanically deflect upon contact with stalks, and this mechanical deflection is directly translated into measurement signals, eliminating the need for complex electronic sensors while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The stalk feelers are designed to automatically deflect and return to their original position through their own elastic properties, without requiring external power sources or complex actuation mechanisms. The system uses the natural mechanical properties of the feelers themselves to perform the sensing function
2Productivity
If deck plate spacing is adjusted based on stalk diameter data, then productivity is improved through optimized crop intake, but device complexity increases due to adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The deck plate spacing adjustment mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable based on real-time stalk diameter measurements. The system can change the spacing configuration to match varying stalk sizes, optimizing crop intake efficiency while using a relatively simple mechanical adjustment mechanism rather than a complex automated system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables precise adjustment of deck plate spacing based on real-time stalk diameter data, improving crop intake efficiency and reducing mechanical stress on the harvester.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the crossbar member to pivot about the first pivot axis towards the second position
Implementation Method 2
The first damper is positioned to dampen deflection of the first stalk feeler. The second damper is positioned to dampen deflection of the second stalk feeler
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural header for use with an agricultural harvester includes a header frame, a first row unit having a first row unit frame coupled to the header frame, and a second row unit having a second row unit frame coupled to the header frame. The header also includes a casting body coupled to the first row unit frame, a sensing unit of a stalk-diameter sensing system including a frame portion and a stalk feeler deflectably coupled to the sensing unit, and a point assembly pivotally coupled to the header frame. The point assembly at least partially covers the sensing unit. A crossbar member includes a first portion and a second portion with the first portion being pivotally coupled to the casting body to pivot about a first pivot axis. The crossbar member is pivotable about the first pivot axis between a first position and a second position.