Harvester Sequence Control for Road-to-Field Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvesting machines lack efficient coordination in controlling functional devices during transitions between road and field modes, requiring manual intervention and lacking automation for optimal operational sequences.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled agricultural harvesting machine with a control device that automates the execution of sequence management functions, dividing operations into field start and end modes, adjusting based on detected speed and hydraulic fluid availability, and incorporating visual feedback for mode transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of functional devices is used during mode transitions, then operator flexibility is maintained, but operator workload increases and coordination efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sequence management function is divided into multiple individual sequences, each controlling a specific functional device or action. This segmentation allows the control device to manage complex transitions through manageable, automated steps while reducing operator workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device automatically executes sequences based on detected mode transitions without requiring manual intervention for each step. The system serves itself by detecting transitions and autonomously coordinating functional devices, thereby reducing operator workload while increasing automation.
2Productivity
If automated sequence management is implemented, then coordination efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it detects mode transitions, determines available hydraulic fluid, selects appropriate sequences, and coordinates functional devices. This multi-functionality improves coordination efficiency while consolidating control logic into a single system rather than adding separate complex subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of mode transitions and hydraulic fluid availability before executing sequences. This preliminary action allows the control device to prepare and select appropriate sequences in advance, improving coordination efficiency without requiring complex real-time decision-making during execution.
3Reliability
If sequence execution is based on detected hydraulic fluid availability, then operational reliability improves, but detection and measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously detects the amount of available hydraulic fluid and uses this feedback information to determine which sequences can be executed. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable sequence execution by preventing attempts to execute sequences that require more hydraulic fluid than available, without requiring complex measurement systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-propelled agricultural harvesting machine (1) with a header (3) for receiving crop (4), at least one working element (6) for processing and/or conveying the crop (4), a hydrostatic drive as functional devices (7), a hydraulic system (17) for supplying the functional devices (7) with a pressure medium, and a control device (20) which is configured to control the functional devices (7) of the harvesting machine (1) according to a sequence management function (27) stored or storable in a storage unit (22) of the control device (20) when switching between road driving mode and field driving mode, wherein the sequence management function (27) to be executed in field driving mode is divided into a field start mode (39) and a field end mode (40), wherein the control device (20) is designed and configured todepending on a detected driving speed and a detected amount of hydraulic fluid available in the hydraulic system (17), to decide on the automatic execution and/or the scope of the automatic execution of the respective sequence management function (27) comprising several individual sequences to be executed (52a ... 52n) in field start mode (39) or field end mode (40).