Harvester Header Control Using Dual Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled harvesters face challenges in achieving flexible position control of attachments for picking up crops, particularly in adapting to varying crop heights and ground contours, leading to inefficiencies and increased operator burden.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a self-propelled harvester with a control system that utilizes two sensor arrangements to determine crop height and inclination, allowing for predictive position control of the attachment, including height and transverse guidance, using actuators to adjust the attachment's position relative to the ground, ensuring optimal harvesting without unnecessary plant material intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single sensor arrangement is used to detect attachment position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying crop heights and ground contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into two distinct sensor arrangements: a first sensor arrangement for detecting attachment position relative to the ground, and a second sensor arrangement for detecting crop height. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific measurement task, improving overall adaptability while keeping individual sensor complexities manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sensor arrangement detects crop height in advance before the attachment reaches the crop. This preliminary detection allows the control device to pre-calculate target height and inclination values, enabling the attachment to be positioned optimally before harvesting begins, thus adapting to varying crop heights proactively rather than reactively.
2Ease of operation
If manual height adjustment is required, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the device complexity is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously receives feedback from both sensor arrangements about attachment position and crop height, automatically calculates the optimal target height and inclination, and adjusts the attachment position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates manual adjustment requirements while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvester system performs self-adjustment of the attachment position based on sensor data and control calculations. The system serves itself by automatically detecting crop height, calculating target parameters, and adjusting attachment position without operator intervention, thereby reducing operator burden while implementing a comprehensive control system.
3Loss of substance
If high cutting height is used, then the productivity is reduced due to plant material intake, but the loss of substance is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The second sensor arrangement performs preliminary detection of crop height before the attachment reaches the crop. This advance knowledge allows the control device to calculate and set the optimal cutting height in advance, ensuring the attachment is positioned at the precise height needed to minimize plant material intake while maintaining high productivity during harvesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment height and inclination are dynamically adjusted in real-time based on detected crop height variations. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to changing crop conditions, maintaining optimal cutting height that minimizes straw and stalk intake while preserving harvesting productivity across varying field conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-propelled harvesting machine (1) with a header (3) for receiving crop material (EG), which is arranged on a receiving device (4) pivotably mounted on the harvesting machine (1) about a horizontal axis (11), wherein the position of the header (3) relative to the ground (FB) is adjustable by means of actuators (5, 6) which can be controlled by a control device (15) of the harvesting machine (1), which is configured for position control of the header (3), wherein at least a first sensor arrangement (12) is arranged on the header (3), which serves to determine a distance (A) of the header (3) to the ground (FB), wherein at least a second sensor arrangement (18) is provided which detects the course of a stand height (B) of the crop material (EG) as a position control parameter at a defined distance in front of the header (3), wherein the control device (15) is configured toirrespective of a distance (A) detected by the first sensor arrangement (12), a target height for the vertical guidance and a target inclination for the lateral guidance of the header (3) are to be determined based on the course of the stand height (B) detected by at least one second sensor arrangement (18), and then, taking into account a predetermined cutting depth (S) below the stand height (B), a height and a lateral inclination of the header (3) are to be set.