Harvester Control Device Slope Gradient Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Harvesting machines face issues when operating on slopes, including twisting due to downhill force, resulting in unmown strips and uneven swaths, which existing solutions address inadequately by reducing mowing width or manual counter-steering, leading to ground damage.
Innovation Solution
A control device that automatically determines operating parameters for working units based on the transverse gradient of the slope, adjusting contact force and conveying speed to maintain maximum mowing width and prevent unmown strips, and ensure even swaths by differentiating relief pressure and conveying speed between uphill and downhill mowers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mower arrangement operates on a slope without adjustment, then the machine structure remains simple and operation is straightforward, but the mower twists due to downhill force causing unmown strips and uneven swaths
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically determines operating parameters based on slope inclination without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts by reading inclination data from the sensor and autonomously modifying conveying speeds and contact forces to maintain mowing quality on slopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an inclination sensor to continuously monitor slope conditions and provides feedback to the control device. Based on this feedback, the control device dynamically adjusts operating parameters such as conveying speeds and contact forces to compensate for slope-induced twisting and maintain uniform mowing.
2Reliability
If manual counter-steering is used to counteract twisting on slopes, then mowing quality is maintained, but ground damage increases due to greater load on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The control device modifies operating parameters (conveying speeds and contact forces) based on detected slope inclination. By adjusting these parameters automatically, the system maintains mowing quality without requiring manual counter-steering that would increase ground load and cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counter-steering operations with an automated control system that uses sensor data and electronic control to adjust operating parameters. This substitution eliminates the need for operator intervention that would otherwise require increased mechanical force and ground contact.
3Reliability
If the mowing width is reduced to account for slope twisting, then unmown strips are prevented, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on real-time slope conditions rather than using a fixed reduced mowing width. The control device modulates conveying speeds and contact forces to maintain the full mowing width while compensating for slope effects, thereby preserving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing operating parameters (conveying speeds, contact forces) based on slope inclination, the system maintains the full mowing width without creating unmown strips. This approach avoids the productivity loss that would result from operating with a reduced effective mowing width.
4Reliability
If automatic control based on slope inclination is implemented, then mowing quality is maintained and ground damage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device operates autonomously by automatically reading slope inclination from the sensor and determining appropriate operating parameters without requiring additional complex control mechanisms or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves multiple functions: it monitors slope inclination, determines appropriate operating parameters, and adjusts conveying speeds and contact forces. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated control system that manages all adjustments without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The control device has working units, whose operating parameter is automatically determined depending on an inclination of a slope, in which a harvesting machine (1) is in operation. A transverse inclination (alpha) of the slope is determined over a tilt sensor in a metrological manner and reads over a data interface. A larger contact force or a lower discharge pressure is provided for a slope-upstream rear mower (4) for another slope-upstream rear mower (5).