Self-Supporting Harvester Header With Independent Segment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional harvester headers struggle to maintain contact with the ground when operating in raised positions, limiting their ability to follow field contours and adjust independently, which affects cutting efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting harvester header system equipped with actuators, such as hydraulic pistons, on both header segments and wheels, allowing for independent adjustment and contact with the ground, enabling the header to flex and follow terrain contours while maintaining a consistent cutting height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the header is operated in a raised position, then the header can be positioned higher above the ground, but the header segments cannot contact the ground to follow field contours
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple independently controllable header segments, each equipped with its own actuator. This segmentation allows different portions of the header to be positioned at different heights and angles, enabling the header to follow field contours while maintaining an overall raised position for efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The header segments are made dynamically adjustable through actuators that can change the position and angle of each segment in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the header to adapt to varying terrain conditions while maintaining optimal cutting height, resolving the contradiction between fixed raised position and contour-following ability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the header segments are separated and made independently adjustable, then the header can follow terrain contours, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators are designed with multi-functionality, serving both to adjust header segment positions for contour following and to maintain optimal cutting heights. This universal design reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The header segments are equipped with sensors and control systems that enable them to automatically detect terrain variations and adjust their own positions without requiring complex centralized control. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of the overall control system while maintaining the ability to follow terrain contours.
3Manufacturing precision
If the header segments contact the ground independently, then cutting accuracy is improved, but the structural complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire header heavy and complex, the patent applies ground-contact capability and actuators only to specific header segments where it is most needed for cutting accuracy. This localized approach maintains cutting precision while minimizing the overall weight increase associated with additional actuators and structural components.
Data Source
AI summary
A header of a harvester includes a first header segment comprising a cutter bar configured to cut crops, and a first portion of a conveyor assembly. The header additionally includes a center section including a second portion of the conveyor assembly. The center section is configured to receive cut crops from the first header segment via the first portion of the conveyor assembly. The header also includes a first ground engaging element configured to at least partially support a weight of the header, and a first sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a distance to ground. The header further includes a first actuator; and a control system comprising a processor configured to receive a sensor signal from the first sensor and to control the first actuator to adjust the first ground engaging element based on the sensor signal.