Harvester Float Pressure Control for Stable Ground Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Harvester implements face challenges in maintaining optimal ground contact force during operation, leading to issues such as scalping the ground surface when the force is too high and reduced crop harvest due to bouncing when it's too low, as existing float systems struggle to adjust effectively to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A harvester implement with a controllable float system that uses internal fluid pressure, managed by a processor executing a float control algorithm, to maintain a desired ground contact force by detecting changes in operating parameters like tilt position, gauge shoe position, and hydraulic fluid temperature, and adjusting the fluid pressure accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the float system is adjusted to heavy (high ground contact force), then the harvester head maintains stable contact with the ground surface, but the harvester head fails to raise up when contacting raised elevation portions causing scalping and increased component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The float system dynamically adjusts the ground contact force by varying the initial value of internal fluid pressure in the float cylinder based on detected changes in operating parameters (tilt position, gauge shoe position, hydraulic fluid temperature). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing ground conditions and operating parameters, preventing both scalping and bouncing throughout the harvesting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors operating parameters (tilt position, gauge shoe position, hydraulic fluid temperature) and uses this feedback to detect changes in the harvester head's operating condition. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically re-defines the initial fluid pressure value to maintain optimal ground contact force, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents scalping and bouncing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the float system is adjusted to light (low ground contact force), then the harvester head can raise up when contacting raised elevation portions, but the harvester head bounces and fails to quickly return to the ground surface reducing crop harvest
Solution Approach 1:
The float system dynamically adjusts the ground contact force by varying the initial value of internal fluid pressure in the float cylinder based on detected changes in operating parameters (tilt position, gauge shoe position, hydraulic fluid temperature). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing ground conditions and operating parameters, preventing both scalping and bouncing throughout the harvesting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors operating parameters (tilt position, gauge shoe position, hydraulic fluid temperature) and uses this feedback to detect changes in the harvester head's operating condition. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically re-defines the initial fluid pressure value to maintain optimal ground contact force, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents scalping and bouncing.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed float system adjustment is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the system cannot adapt to changing operating conditions throughout the harvesting process
Solution Approach 1:
The float system automatically adjusts itself by detecting changes in operating parameters (tilt position, gauge shoe position, hydraulic fluid temperature) and automatically re-defining the initial fluid pressure value through the controller. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention while adapting to changing conditions, combining ease of operation with high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of internal fluid pressure in the float cylinder based on detected changes in operating conditions. By dynamically adjusting this parameter, the system adapts to varying operating conditions throughout the harvesting process while maintaining simple operation through automated control.
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 maintains the desired ground contact force, preventing scalping and ensuring effective crop harvesting by automatically adjusting to changes in operating conditions, thereby improving the harvester's performance and reducing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
The float system includes an internal fluid pressure that is controllable to achieve a ground contact force between the harvester head and the ground surface
Implementation Method 2
The float system may include an accumulator disposed in fluid communication with the hydraulic float cylinder. As is understood in the art, a hydraulic float cylinder extends and retracts in response to the internal fluid pressure of the float system. 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
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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.