Self-Propelled Forage Harvester Automatic Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harvesting machine combinations for plant remains face challenges such as contamination during ground deposition, energy inefficiency due to reliance on the combine's internal combustion engine, and operational cumbersome when using separate towed chassis, especially when processing for bio-energy production.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled harvesting machine combination integrating a combine with a self-propelled forage harvester and a tractor, where the forage harvester automatically follows the combine using GPS and radio wave data transmission to collect and chop plant remains, which are then deposited into a container, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If plant remains are deposited on the ground for later pickup, then equipment complexity is reduced, but contamination occurs and productivity is reduced due to additional operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (collection, chopping, and storage of plant remains) into a single integrated chassis that operates simultaneously with the combine, eliminating the need for separate ground deposition and later pickup operations, thus resolving the contradiction between equipment complexity and productivity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a blower is attached to the combine to blow out plant remains, then contamination is avoided, but energy consumption increases due to reliance on combine's internal combustion engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plant remains processing system from the combine by using a separate chassis with its own independent blower and engine, allowing the combine to focus on harvesting while the separate unit handles plant remains collection and processing, thereby reducing energy demands on the combine and avoiding contamination
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate chassis with internal combustion engine and blower is used, then contamination is avoided and energy independence is achieved, but operational complexity increases due to additional equipment to be towed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blower, conveyor, chopper, and storage container into a single integrated chassis that operates in tandem with the combine, consolidating multiple functions into one unit that reduces operational complexity compared to towing separate equipment while maintaining contamination-free processing
4Device complexity
If plant remains are collected without chopping, then equipment complexity is reduced, but usability is reduced for bio-energy production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a chopper arrangement within the chassis that automatically chops plant remains during the collection process, ensuring the material is properly processed for bio-energy production without requiring additional separate equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between equipment complexity and usability
Data Source
AI summary
A harvesting machine combination for the utilization of harvested plant remains is provided and includes a combine with an outlet for harvested crop remains, a self propelled forage harvester that includes a conveyor to take over the harvested crop remains from the outlet of the combine, a discharge arrangement for the harvested crop remains, an engine for the drive of the conveyor and a container to take up the harvested crop remains delivered by the discharge arrangement. The combine is equipped with a transmitting arrangement for the transmission of position data and/or operation direction and speed data of the combine. The forage harvester is equipped with a receiving arrangement that interacts with an automatic steering and speed input arrangement of the forage harvester that can be operated on the basis of the data received by the receiving arrangement in order to permit the forage harvester to follow the combine automatically.