Harvesting Header Electric Drive Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cutting units in combine harvesters face difficulties in adjusting speed during changing or difficult harvesting conditions, such as laid grain or damp straw, leading to inefficient operation due to the need for manual and time-consuming adjustments of mechanical drives.
Innovation Solution
A cutting unit arrangement with electric drives that can be controlled to adjust speed based on predetermined values, allowing for quicker, simpler, and more flexible adaptation to harvesting conditions, including automatic determination of speed setpoints and real-time torque monitoring for optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of mechanical drives is used, then the harvester can adapt to different harvesting conditions, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment systems with an automated control system that uses electronic signals to adjust the rotational speed of the drive element. The control device receives signals from sensors or the operator and automatically adjusts the drive element's speed without requiring manual intervention, thus eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual adjustments while maintaining adaptability to different harvesting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable drive system where the rotational speed of the drive element can be continuously varied based on harvesting conditions. The control device enables real-time speed adjustment during operation, allowing the harvester to adapt to changing conditions without stopping or manual intervention, thereby reducing adjustment time while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If coarse increment adjustments are made to mechanical drives, then the harvester can be adjusted to different conditions, but the full technical potential is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous variation of the drive element's rotational speed parameter rather than discrete coarse adjustments. The control device can adjust the speed in fine increments or continuously based on feedback from sensors or operator input, allowing precise optimization of harvesting parameters to fully utilize the harvester's technical potential and maximize productivity
3Device complexity
If fixed speed mechanical drives are used, then the drive system is simple, but the harvester cannot adapt quickly to changing harvesting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed-speed mechanical drives with an electronically controlled drive system. The control device uses electronic signals to adjust the rotational speed of the drive element, eliminating the need for complex mechanical gear changes or sprocket adjustments. This electronic control approach maintains relative system simplicity while enabling quick and flexible speed adaptation to changing harvesting conditions
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A cutting unit assembly for a harvesting machine comprises a cutting unit (11) which has at least one working device (15, 17, 18, 19, 23) relating to the processing and/or conveying of a harvested crop and a drive (25a-e) for the working device, wherein the drive is configured to drive the working device via a rotatable drive element during harvesting operations. The rotational speed of the drive element is variable, wherein a control device (29) of the cutting unit assembly associated with the drive is configured to regulate the rotational speed of the drive element based on a predetermined setpoint.