Harvester Header Height Control via Single Ground Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural harvester systems require separate ground-sensing systems for rigid and flex modes, leading to increased complexity, time, and potential for errors when switching between modes, as well as wear on sensor connections.
Innovation Solution
A single ground-sensing system with a shared sensor and communication link allows for seamless operation in both flex and rigid modes, eliminating the need for separate sensors and maintaining connections during mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate ground-sensing systems are provided for rigid mode and flex mode operation, then each mode can have dedicated sensing capability, but the system complexity increases and mode switching becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single ground sensor system that can function in both rigid mode and flex mode operation. The sensor is configured to detect ground contact forces in both operational contexts, eliminating the need for separate sensing systems. This multi-functional approach reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable ground sensing capability across different harvesting modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the previously separate rigid mode sensor system and flex mode sensor system into a single integrated ground sensor. By combining these functions into one sensor assembly with appropriate signal processing, the system achieves both rigid and flex mode sensing capabilities without requiring duplicate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity and installation burden.
2Reliability
If separate sensors are used for rigid and flex modes, then each mode has dedicated sensing, but the number of connections and potential errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal sensor design allows operators to switch between rigid and flex modes without physically changing sensors or reconfiguring connections. The single sensor system is programmatically configured for different modes, simplifying operator tasks and reducing the potential for connection errors while maintaining mode-specific sensing accuracy through software-controlled signal processing.
3Reliability
If sensors are unplugged and replugged when switching modes, then the correct sensor is used for each mode, but wear on connections increases and failure potential rises
Solution Approach 1:
The universal sensor system eliminates the need to unplug and replug sensors when switching between rigid and flex modes. The single sensor remains permanently connected while its functional configuration is changed through control system programming. This approach maintains proper sensor-mode matching through software control while significantly reducing mechanical wear on electrical connections and their associated failure risks.
4Reliability
If multiple sensor systems are provided for different modes, then each mode has optimized sensing, but the time required for mode switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal ground sensor system that can be rapidly reconfigured between rigid and flex modes through electronic control without requiring physical sensor changes. This eliminates the time-consuming process of switching between multiple sensor systems while maintaining optimized ground contact detection for each mode through programmable signal processing parameters.
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
Simplifies mode switching, reduces wear, and ensures continuous operation by using a single sensor system for both flex and rigid modes, minimizing errors and extending sensor lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
A flex mode ground detector is pivotally mounted to a header frame and connected to a sensor for acquiring and conveying ground proximity information during flex mode operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A combination flex and rigid control system (400) for a header (100) of an agricultural harvester (10) includes ground proximity detection arrangements (412, 416) for both rigid mode and flex mode operation of the header (100). The ground proximity detection arrangements (412, 416) are each coupled to the same sensor shaft (402) by way of a sensor arm (408) that is moved by either of the ground proximity detection arrangements.