Articulated Combine Joystick and Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated harvesting combines face challenges in efficiently operating and controlling various functions, including grain unloading, steering, and blockage clearance, due to the complexity of electronics and sensor data presentation to the operator.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of advanced electronic controls and displays, including grain loss sensors, independent jog motors for blockage clearance, and a joystick system for comprehensive control of the combine's functions, along with a sensor assembly to determine the degree of articulation of the articulation joint, allowing for real-time data visualization and operator control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and electronic controls are added to monitor grain loss and control articulation, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grain loss detection system is segmented into multiple sensor pads distributed across the width of the straw discharge stream, with each pad independently detecting grain impacts in its specific zone. This segmentation allows precise localization of grain loss positions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular sensor units.
Solution Approach 2:
An electronic control unit serves as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple grain loss sensor pads, processes the data, and presents consolidated information to the operator. This intermediary consolidates complex sensor data into manageable visual displays, reducing the operational complexity despite multiple sensors.
2Ease of operation
If multiple controls are integrated into a single joystick, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick control assembly is designed with multi-functionality, allowing a single device to control multiple functions including grain unloader extension/retraction, articulation cylinder operation, and grain cart crabbing. This universal control approach improves ease of operation by consolidating controls while the electronic control unit manages the underlying system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions that would traditionally require separate controls are merged into a single joystick assembly. The joystick integrates directional control for articulation, grain unloader control, and grain cart positioning, combining these functions into one unified interface that simplifies operator interaction.
3Loss of information
If real-time grain loss data is displayed for each sensor pad, then information completeness improves, but loss of information decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system provides local quality information by showing grain loss data specifically for each sensor pad zone rather than aggregate data only. Each sensor pad's readings are displayed with positional information, allowing the operator to identify specific areas of grain loss while maintaining an organized display structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The grain loss information is presented in an additional spatial dimension by displaying data for multiple sensor pads across the width of the straw discharge stream. This dimensional expansion of information display provides comprehensive coverage of grain loss patterns without overwhelming the operator with undifferentiated data.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an articulated harvesting combine of a forward powered processing unit (PPU), a rear grain cart, and an articulation joint connecting the PPU and rear grain cart. Loss sensor pads in the straw discharge stream are graphically displaying to the operator. Articulation joint sensors rear teeth on an articulation joint arcuate beam and are used to display the degree of articulation to the operator. A jog motor permits the operator to move the feed house forwards/backwards to clear blockages. A right hand joystick and a left hand joystick provided control of all combine functions.