Harvester Header Sensor Arm Control for Dynamic Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvesters require manual adjustments of header height, which interrupts harvesting operations and fails to dynamically adjust to varying field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting implement with a sensor arm that rotates between stored and open positions, controlled by an electrically activatable actuator and a computing system, adjusts header height based on field conditions and vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of sensor arms is used, then the header height can be adjusted, but harvesting operations are interrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arm assembly is designed to automatically return to its engaged position with the field surface using a spring biasing mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment and enabling self-regulating height detection during harvesting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electrically activatable actuator that automatically positions the sensor arm, and uses electrical sensors to detect field surface contact, substituting human operation with automated electromechanical control
2Reliability
If the sensor arm is biased toward the field surface, then consistent contact is ensured, but the arm may rotate unintentionally due to surface irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses height sensors to detect the position of the sensor arm and provides feedback to the actuator control system, which adjusts the actuator output to maintain the arm in the desired engaged or disengaged position based on actual sensor readings, correcting for surface irregularities
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing force of the spring element is carefully calibrated to provide sufficient force for reliable field surface contact while remaining below the threshold that would cause unintentional arm rotation on normal surface irregularities, optimizing the balance between contact reliability and position stability
3Measurement precision
If the arm is held firmly in position, then measurement stability is improved, but the system cannot adapt to varying field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arm assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing the arm to be held firmly in either engaged or disengaged position when needed, while also enabling smooth transitions between positions in response to varying field conditions detected by the height sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the sensor arm position and field conditions through height sensors, and dynamically adjusts the actuator to maintain precise measurement capability while adapting to changing operational requirements and surface conditions
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
Dynamic adjustment of header height ensures consistent contact with the field surface, improving harvesting efficiency by reducing manual intervention and adapting to soil compaction, surface roughness, and ground speed.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element configured to bias the arm of the implement height sensor toward the surface of the field when the arm is in the open position
Implementation Method 2
an electrically activatable actuator coupled to the arm of the implement height sensor assembly and configured to rotate the arm between the stored position and the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A harvesting implement of an agricultural harvester includes a frame configured to be coupled to a harvester base vehicle. Additionally, the implement includes a cutter bar configured to sever crop material from the field and a reel rotatably coupled to the frame and configured to direct the crop material toward the cutter bar. Furthermore, the implement includes a sensor assembly including an arm coupled to the frame. The arm is configured to rotate relative to the frame between a stored position and an open position in which the arm is configured to contact the surface of the field. Additionally, the implement includes a biasing element for biasing the arm toward the field. Moreover, the implement includes an electrically activatable actuator coupled to the arm and configured to rotate the arm between the stored and open positions and apply a load to prevent the arm from rotating.