Harvester Implement Head Height Sensing for Float Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transitioning the implement linkage system from a height control operating condition to a float operating condition requires precise knowledge of the implement head's position relative to the ground surface to avoid contact during the transition.

Innovation Solution

A harvester implement equipped with first and second motion sensors on the traction unit and implement head, respectively, determines an offset distance and calculates head height using a processor-controlled algorithm to accurately control the implement linkage system between operating conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the implement linkage system is operated in height control mode to maintain a fixed harvest height, then the implement head maintains a fixed position relative to the frame, but the system cannot automatically adapt to ground surface variations without risking ground contact during mode transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplement head position relative to ground surfaceVSAvoidmotion sensors and head height determination algorithm

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical height measurement systems with motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) that use sensor fusion algorithms to determine implement head position and orientation relative to the ground surface, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces motion sensors as intermediary devices mounted on both the traction unit and implement head, which indirectly measure ground relative position through acceleration and orientation data, avoiding direct mechanical contact measurement while enabling precise height determination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the implement linkage system transitions from height control to float operating condition, then the implement head can track ground surface variations, but ground contact may occur during the transition if position is not accurately known

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to track ground surfaceVSAvoidprevention of ground contact during transition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where motion sensors continuously provide data on implement head position and orientation, the controller processes this information through sensor fusion algorithms, and the system adjusts the linkage accordingly to prevent ground contact during mode transitions while maintaining ground tracking capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary position determination using motion sensors before initiating the transition from height control to float mode, calculating the implement head's exact position relative to the ground surface in advance, and only then allowing the transition to occur, thereby preventing ground contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables seamless transitions between operating conditions, preventing ground contact and enhancing operational efficiency by accurately determining and adjusting the implement head's elevation relative to the ground surface.

Implementation Method 1

The first motion sensor may include, but are not limited to, an accelerometer operable to measure acceleration in at least the vertical direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS20250261583A1Harvester implement with implement head height determination

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A harvester implement includes a first motion sensor mounted on a traction unit at a location defining a traction unit elevation datum, and a second motion sensor mounted on an implement head at a location defining a head elevation datum. The implement head defines a head spacing between the head elevation datum and a ground contact surface of the implement head. An implement controller determines an offset distance between the traction unit elevation datum and the head elevation datum based on data from the first motion sensor related to movement of the traction unit and data from the second motion sensor related to movement of the implement head. The controller may then calculate a head height between the ground surface and the ground contact surface of the implement head by subtracting the offset distance and the head spacing from the traction unit elevation datum.