Harvester Header Radar Sensor Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements for agricultural harvesters are complex, mechanically cumbersome, and lack accuracy in monitoring the field and crop profiles, requiring multiple sensors and extensive mounting structures to achieve reliable data across the harvester's width.
Innovation Solution
A radar sensor arrangement with at least one radar sensor mounted on the header, emitting radio waves downward at an angle of 30°-60°, allowing for reduced complexity and increased accuracy with optional additional sensors for wider headers, and utilizing electronic beam steering for directional adjustments without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and extensive mounting structures are used to monitor the full working width of the harvester, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by mounting the radar sensor on the header at an angle (30°-60°) relative to the horizontal bottom plane, rather than mounting sensors vertically above the working width. This angular orientation allows a single sensor to monitor the entire field width through geometric projection, transforming a one-dimensional vertical measurement approach into a two-dimensional angular coverage approach that eliminates the need for multiple sensors and complex mounting structures.
2Area of stationary object
If sensors are mounted on long arms extending from the driver's cabin to cover the full working width, then measurement coverage is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the complex mounting structure (long arm extending from driver's cabin) and relocates it directly to the header. By taking out the sensor from its previous complex positioning system and mounting it simply on the header frame at an optimized angle, the solution maintains full working width coverage while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity and eliminating the need for long supporting arms.
3Measurement precision
If radar sensors are mounted at various angles to achieve accurate field mapping, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the radar sensor's mounting angle to a specific range (30°-60° relative to the horizontal bottom plane). This parameter optimization allows the electromagnetic waves to cover the entire field width while maintaining accurate ground profile and crop height measurement. By changing the mounting angle parameter, the system achieves both wide coverage and high measurement accuracy without requiring multiple sensors or complex arrangements.
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 configuration simplifies sensor mounting, enhances measurement accuracy, and allows for real-time adaptation of the harvester's operation by providing detailed field maps and obstacle detection, reducing the need for extensive mechanical constructions and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a radar sensor arrangement configured for monitoring the field in front of the header and comprises at least a first radar sensor, mounted to the header and configured to emit radio waves along a downward direction towards the field in front of the cutting or pick-up unit and an inward direction towards a central longitudinal axis of the agricultural harvester
Implementation Method 2
Part of the emitted sound and/or radio waves is reflected by the field and detected by the sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
A header (18) for an agricultural harvester (10) comprises a header frame, a cutting or pick-up unit (34) for taking a crop from a field and a radar sensor arrangement (100) for monitoring the field in front of the header (18), the radar sensor arrangement comprising at least a first radar sensor (110), mounted to the header (18) and configured to emit radio waves along a downward direction towards the field in front of the cutting or pick-up unit and an inward direction towards a central longitudinal axis of the agricultural harvester. A controller, operatively coupled to the radar sensor arrangement (100) is configured to control the header based on the sensor signals, the signals are processed to determine a ground or crop profile.