Harvester Frame Inclination Compensation for Slope Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Harvesting machines face difficulties in maintaining stable operation and proper bale wrapping on uneven terrain, with issues such as uneven crop distribution, driving stability problems, and disruptions in the wrapping process due to slope inclinations, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic inclination sensor and tilting actuator system that automatically compensates for slope inclinations by tilting the harvesting machine's superstructure, allowing for transverse and pitching adjustments to maintain a horizontal alignment, thereby stabilizing the machine's operation and ensuring proper bale wrapping on slopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the harvesting machine operates on steep slopes without inclination compensation, then the machine structure remains simple and compact, but the wrapping process is disrupted and bale positioning becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the machine frame tiltable relative to the chassis through inclination control actuators. The frame can dynamically adjust its orientation to compensate for slope inclinations, transforming from a static to a dynamic structure that adapts to terrain conditions, thereby ensuring reliable wrapping processes on slopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical slope adaptation with an electronically controlled inclination compensation system. Electronic inclination sensors detect slope angles and control actuators automatically adjust the frame orientation, substituting passive mechanical design with an active control system that maintains wrapping reliability without requiring complex structural modifications.
2Productivity
If the machine drives downhill at normal speed without slowing down, then productivity is maintained, but the scraper floor cannot distribute crop evenly and crop stock builds up on one side
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination compensation system dynamically tilts the machine frame to counteract downhill slopes, maintaining a level working platform for the scraper floor. This allows the scraper to distribute crop evenly even when driving at normal speeds on slopes, preserving both productivity and crop distribution uniformity without requiring speed reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively tilting the frame in the opposite direction of the slope before crop distribution problems occur. The inclination sensors detect the slope and the control system pre-adjusts the frame orientation to prevent crop buildup, allowing normal operating speeds to be maintained without distribution issues.
3Reliability
If the machine interrupts field cultivation to leave sloping terrain, then wrapping disruptions are avoided, but loss of time occurs and large areas of sloping terrain cannot be efficiently processed
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic inclination compensation system allows the harvesting machine to maintain stable wrapping operations continuously on sloping terrain by automatically adjusting frame orientation. This eliminates the need to interrupt field cultivation and leave sloping areas, maintaining both wrapping reliability and continuous productivity without time losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous useful action by allowing the wrapping process to operate reliably without interruption on slopes. The inclination compensation ensures stable bale positioning and wrapping conditions throughout, eliminating the need to stop field cultivation and maintain continuous productive operation across varying terrain.
4Reliability
If a tiltable wrapping table is used to compensate for slope inclination, then bales can be wrapped on a level surface, but the table orientation cannot be adjusted quickly enough to changing slopes and diagonal slope compensation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanically tiltable wrapping table with an electronically controlled frame inclination system. Electronic sensors and actuators provide rapid, precise orientation adjustments that respond quickly to changing slope conditions and can compensate for both longitudinal and transverse slopes, overcoming the limitations of mechanical table tilting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination compensation system provides universal slope compensation capability, handling various slope conditions (longitudinal, transverse, and changing gradients) with a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach replaces the limited single-axis table tilting mechanism, enabling rapid adaptation to any slope configuration while maintaining wrapping accuracy.
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
This solution enables trouble-free bale wrapping on steep slopes without compromising the machine's design, allowing for higher driving speeds and reduced disruptions, as the machine's frame is dynamically adjusted to counteract slope inclinations in real-time, enhancing both stability and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electronic inclination sensor for detecting an inclination of the machine frame with respect to a horizontal orientation
Implementation Method 2
at least one inclination control actuator for tilting the machine frame relative to the chassis
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural harvesting machine, such as a forage wagon or baler, for mounting on a tractor, comprising a machine frame that carries at least one functional unit and is supported on the ground by a chassis. According to the invention, the harvesting machine includes at least one electronic tilt sensor for detecting an inclination of the machine frame relative to a horizontal orientation, at least one tilt actuator for tilting the machine frame relative to the chassis, and an electronic control device for actuating the at least one tilt actuator depending on the inclination of the machine frame detected by the electronic tilt sensor, such that the inclination of the machine frame relative to the aforementioned horizontal orientation is reduced as much as possible.