Harvester Float Pressure Control for Stable Ground Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harvester implements with float systems struggle to maintain a consistent ground contact force between the harvester head and the ground surface, leading to issues such as scalpings of the ground surface and reduced crop harvest due to inadequate contact force adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A harvester implement with a float system that includes a controller with a processor and memory storing a float control algorithm. The controller automatically detects changes in operating parameters of the harvester head and adjusts the internal fluid pressure of the float system to maintain a desired ground contact force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the float system is adjusted to heavy (high ground contact force), then the harvester head maintains contact with the ground surface, but the harvester head fails to raise up when contacting raised elevation portions, causing scalpings and ground damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ground contact force adjustable and variable during operation. The system transitions from a static float system adjustment to a dynamic control system that can modify the ground contact force in real-time based on operating conditions, allowing the harvester head to adapt to varying terrain and crop conditions without causing scalpings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the ground contact force parameter based on detected operating parameters such as ground speed, crop density, and terrain conditions. The controller adjusts the float system pressure to optimize the ground contact force, preventing both scalpings and inadequate crop contact
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the float system is adjusted to light (low ground contact force), then the harvester head can raise up on raised elevation portions, but the harvester head bounces and fails to quickly return to the ground surface, reducing crop harvest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using sensors to detect operating parameters such as harvester head position, ground contact force, and terrain variations. This feedback information is fed to the controller, which automatically adjusts the float system to maintain optimal ground contact force, ensuring the harvester head returns to the ground surface quickly after contacting elevated portions while preventing scalpings
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the ground contact force based on real-time operating conditions detected by sensors. This dynamic control allows the harvester head to maintain light contact on uneven terrain to prevent scalpings while quickly returning to full contact on level ground to maximize crop harvest
3Force
If manual adjustment of the float system is used, then the ground contact force can be changed, but the adjustment cannot respond quickly to changing operating conditions during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the float system to automatically adjust its own ground contact force based on sensor feedback without requiring manual intervention. The controller monitors operating conditions and autonomously modifies the float system pressure to optimize performance, eliminating the need for manual adjustments during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors detecting operating parameters to automatically control the ground contact force. This closed-loop control system continuously monitors and adjusts the float system settings, enabling rapid response to changing conditions without manual intervention
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system dynamically adjusts the ground contact force to prevent scalpings and ensure consistent crop harvesting, improving the operational efficiency and reducing wear on harvester components.
Implementation Method 1
The float system may include a hydraulic float cylinder that is operably controlled via the internal fluid pressure exerted by a hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
The accumulator is a pressure storage reservoir that enables the float system to smooth out pulsations therein caused by movement of the linkages system
Data Source
AI summary
A harvester implement includes a linkage system supporting a harvester head, and a float system having an internal fluid pressure that is controllable to achieve a ground contact force between the harvester head and the ground surface. A controller is operable to receive a user defined input commanding a desired ground contact force, and define an initial value of the internal fluid pressure to achieve the desired ground contact force. The controller may then automatically detect a change in an operating parameter of the harvester head during operation, and automatically re-define the initial value of the internal fluid pressure to provide an adjusted value of the internal fluid pressure to maintain the desired ground contact force based on the detected change in the operating parameter of the harvester head during operation.