Harvester Pick-Up Inertial Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harvesting machines face issues with pick-up systems that can damage turf and reduce efficiency due to transverse movement at small radii or strong steering angles, and the adjustment of pick-up height can lead to a reduced opening angle, blocking crop intake and causing downtimes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an inertial sensor device to detect translational and rotational acceleration of the pick-up unit, allowing for early detection of adverse changes in the opening angle and initiation of countermeasures to maintain optimal crop flow, combined with a control unit and adjustable lifting mechanisms to adjust the pick-up unit's position relative to the support frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pick-up is adjusted significantly upwards during the harvesting process, then the pick-up can avoid obstacles and uneven ground, but the opening angle of the pick-up is significantly reduced and the crop flow cross-section is reduced, which can block crop intake and cause downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial sensor device detects acceleration changes before the pick-up actually reaches a position that would block crop intake. By detecting translational and rotational acceleration, the system predicts adverse changes in opening angle in advance, allowing the control unit to initiate compensatory measures (such as adjusting the pick-up position via lifting mechanisms) before crop flow is obstructed, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If support wheels are designed with free suspension for upward adjustment on bumps, then the pick-up can adapt to uneven terrain, but with small radii or strong steering angles the support wheels are moved transversely and the turf is injured
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial sensor device provides real-time feedback on the acceleration and position of the pick-up unit relative to the support frame. The control unit continuously monitors this feedback and automatically adjusts the pick-up position to maintain optimal opening angle, replacing manual operator control with an automated feedback loop that responds dynamically to terrain changes without causing turf damage
3Reliability
If sensors are used to determine pick-up height and obstacles are identified, then the pick-up can be pulled up using a lifting cylinder to avoid obstacles, but this system cannot completely eliminate the problem of reduced opening angle and blocked crop intake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical height-sensing systems with inertial sensors that detect acceleration and calculate position changes electronically. This substitution simplifies the overall system by using electronic sensing and control rather than complex mechanical linkages and switches, while providing more accurate and responsive detection of pick-up position changes
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
This solution enhances operational reliability and efficiency by preventing crop pick-up issues due to insufficient opening angles, reducing mechanical damage and turf damage, and enabling faster countermeasures to maintain optimal crop flow, even on uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inertial sensor device is provided for detecting a translational and/or rotational acceleration of the pickup unit
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The device e.g. silo wagon (2), has a pick-up (4) for gathering plants or plant parts. A drawbar (3) partially vertically adjusts the pick-up. An acceleration sensor (13) i.e. yaw rate sensor, detects a translatory and/or rotary acceleration of the pick-up. The pick-up is rotated around a rotational axis (5). The drawbar is suspended at a tractor (1). The drawbar lifts or lowers the pick-up and/or a carrier frame of the device. The drawbar is rotated relative to the pick-up. A position sensor detects a position of the pick-up.