Agricultural Combine Chassis Leveling for Residue Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural combines face challenges in maintaining even crop residue distribution when traveling on uneven terrain, as existing leveling mechanisms compromise cleaning efficiency and residue spreading, leading to irregular residue distribution.
Innovation Solution
A control system that electronically determines the ground slope and chassis tilt, allowing for a desired angular orientation greater than horizontal but less than the slope angle, using actuators to adjust the front drive wheels and chassis position, thereby optimizing both cleaning shoe performance and residue distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the combine body is tilted to level the sieves when traveling on the side of a hill, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the crop residue distribution becomes irregular
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the control of chassis leveling from residue spreader operation. The chassis is leveled to improve cleaning efficiency, while the residue spreader is independently controlled to compensate for the tilt and achieve even residue distribution. This segmentation allows both functions to operate optimally simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the chassis leveling mechanism and the residue spreader. It receives input from sensors about chassis tilt angle and ground slope, then automatically adjusts the residue spreader to compensate, mediating between the conflicting requirements of cleaning efficiency and residue distribution.
2Ease of operation
If the combine body is kept parallel to the ground surface when traveling on the side of a hill, then the crop residue distribution remains even, but the grain accumulates on one side of the sieve/chaffer reducing cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where the residue spreader automatically adjusts its operation based on real-time chassis tilt angle and ground slope conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain even residue distribution while the chassis is leveled for optimal cleaning, adapting continuously to changing terrain conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from tilt sensors and slope sensors to monitor chassis orientation, then automatically adjusts the residue spreader to compensate. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that residue distribution remains even despite the chassis being tilted or leveled, providing real-time correction based on actual operating conditions.
3Productivity
If the combine uses a whole-combine leveling system to tilt the combine body, then the sieves are leveled for better cleaning, but the residue spreading mechanisms throw residue unevenly to uphill and downhill sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by separating chassis leveling from residue spreader control. The chassis is leveled independently to improve sieve performance, while the residue spreader is controlled separately to compensate for tilt effects and achieve uniform residue distribution, allowing both functions to optimize their respective performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the operational parameters of the residue spreader based on the chassis tilt angle and ground slope. By adjusting spreader speed, fan power, or vane angles in response to measured tilt conditions, the system compensates for the leveling effect and maintains uniform residue distribution despite the chassis being tilted or leveled.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A method of controlling an angular orientation of an agricultural combine (100) having a chassis (102) includes: determining a slope angle of the ground over which the combine is traveling (204); determining a tilt angle of the chassis (202); receiving an angle signal from an operator input device (206); combining the slope angle of the ground and the angle signal from the operator input device to calculate a desired angle of the chassis that is greater than horizontal (0°) and less than the slope angle of the ground (208).