Harvester Control System for Automatic Component Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harvester technologies lack efficient methods for automatically adjusting and controlling the movement of components such as toppers, conveyors, and hoods during different cutting modes and crop positions, leading to inefficiencies and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A control system with actuators and a controller that automatically moves selected components of the harvester, such as the topper, conveyor, primary hood, and secondary hood, based on user inputs for cutting modes and crop positions, optimizing their operational positions for efficient harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of harvester components is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but harvesting efficiency decreases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically monitors crop position and harvesting conditions, then self-adjusts component positions (topper, conveyor, hoods) without manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operators to manually adjust components, thereby improving harvesting efficiency and reducing fuel consumption associated with manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors crop position, cutting mode, and component operational status, then uses this feedback information to automatically adjust component positions. The feedback loop ensures components are optimally positioned for current harvesting conditions, maximizing efficiency while minimizing energy waste from suboptimal configurations.
2Productivity
If automatic component adjustment is implemented, then harvesting efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: monitoring crop position, determining cutting mode, adjusting component positions, and coordinating operation of multiple harvesters. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional control system, the patent manages complexity while achieving automatic adjustment benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control systems of multiple harvesters into a single centralized system. This merging reduces overall system complexity by eliminating redundant control components in each individual harvester, while still providing automatic adjustment capabilities for all connected equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If components are manually positioned, then adaptability to different cutting modes is limited, but system simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts component positions based on the selected cutting mode (circular or face cutting) and real-time crop position. Rather than requiring manual reconfiguration for different modes, the system automatically adapts its control strategy and component positioning to match the operational mode, providing versatility while eliminating manual intervention.
4Measurement precision
If automated control system is used, then operational precision improves, but initial equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary that processes precise crop position data and translates it into coordinated component adjustments. By using a centralized intelligent mediator rather than complex individual sensors and actuators on each component, the system achieves high operational precision while managing manufacturing costs through standardized control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a harvester includes a plurality of actuators, each of which moves of one of the following: a knockdown roller for pressing crops down, a side knife for cutting crops along a substantially vertical plane, a base cutter for cutting crops along a substantially horizontal plane, and a crop divider configured to separate crops into rows. The control system also includes a controller in electrical communication with each actuator of the plurality of actuators. The controller receives a signal indicative of an operational position of at least one actuator of the plurality of actuators, and sends a signal to the at least one actuator of the plurality of actuators to initiate movement of the at least one actuator of the plurality of actuators in response to the received signal.