Harvester Mode Initialization for Error-Free Power and Header Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Harvester implements require manual configuration of various operating parameters for different modes, which can lead to errors or omissions in preparing the equipment for the desired operating mode.

Innovation Solution

An automated initialization algorithm is integrated into the harvester implement, utilizing a processor and memory to automatically set operating parameters based on pre-defined settings for different machine initialization modes, either selected by the operator or determined by a location algorithm, to prepare the equipment for specific operating modes such as field, road, headland turn, or service operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration of operating parameters is used for different modes, then the operator has direct control over settings, but errors or omissions in preparing the equipment for the desired operating mode may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores pre-configured sets of operating parameters for different operating modes (field harvest, on-road travel, headland turn, service/maintenance) in advance. When a mode is selected, the corresponding pre-configured parameters are automatically applied, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The harvester implement automatically configures its own operating parameters based on the selected mode. The control system retrieves and applies the appropriate parameter sets without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-configuring and reducing operator burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating modes are supported, then the harvester implement can adapt to different operations, but the complexity of configuring multiple parameters for each mode increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating parameters are segmented into distinct groups or sets, with each set corresponding to a specific operating mode. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple modes by organizing parameters into discrete, manageable units that can be independently stored and retrieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple operating modes through a single parameter management mechanism. The same control system stores, retrieves, and applies different parameter sets for various modes (field harvest, on-road travel, headland turn, service/maintenance), making the system multi-functional without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4399955A1Harvester implement with automated operating mode initialization
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 DEERE & CO
  • EP4399955A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4399955A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4399955A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A harvester implement includes a vehicle controller including an initialization algorithm operable to receive a command input. The command input selects one of a plurality of machine initialization modes. Each of the machine initialization modes has a pre-defined setting for at least one of a power source, a harvester header, and a vehicle light arrangement for implementing one of a plurality of operating modes associated therewith. The vehicle controller may then automatically control one of the power control system, the header control system, and the light control system to establish the pre-defined setting therefor in the power source, the harvester header, and the vehicle light arrangement respectively to prepare the harvester implement for the operating mode associated with the selected machine initialization mode.