Header Height Control Algorithm Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for agricultural harvesting heads fail to provide accurate height control over a wide range of height settings, leading to potential damage from collisions with the ground or obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A header height control system comprising an ECU, height sensors, load sensors, and an operator input device, which selects between three algorithms for height control based on desired height settings, using height error and load error signals to adjust the header's position relative to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the header is positioned to drag along the ground or bounce slightly over the surface to capture all crop, then crop collection completeness is improved, but the risk of collision with ground or obstructions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs height sensors and load sensors that continuously monitor header position and provide feedback signals to the ECU. When the header approaches the ground or contacts an obstruction, the sensors detect the change and trigger automatic header elevation through hydraulic actuators, preventing damage while maintaining close-to-ground operation for complete crop capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system proactively elevates the header before actual collision occurs by monitoring height and load parameters. The system predicts potential ground contact based on sensor readings and preemptively adjusts header position, preventing damage before it happens rather than reacting after collision.
2Reliability
If the header is operated relatively high in the air away from obstructions, then the risk of collision is reduced, but crop collection completeness deteriorates for short crops
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts header height based on real-time sensor feedback rather than maintaining a fixed position. The ECU continuously modifies header elevation to optimize the balance between collision risk and crop capture, allowing the header to operate close to the ground when safe and elevate when obstruction risk is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the operational parameter of header height dynamically based on sensor readings. By adjusting this critical parameter in response to detected conditions, the system maintains optimal performance across varying field conditions, ensuring both safety and productivity.
3Device complexity
If a single control algorithm is used for header height control, then device complexity is reduced, but control accuracy over wide range of height settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system divides the header height control range into multiple segments or zones, each governed by a specific control algorithm optimized for that range. The ECU selects the appropriate algorithm based on the desired height setting, ensuring high precision across the entire operational spectrum while keeping each individual algorithm relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes control parameters or algorithm selection based on the operating range. Different control strategies are applied depending on whether the header is operating at low, medium, or high positions, allowing each algorithm to be tuned for optimal performance in its specific range rather than attempting a single universal solution.
4Productivity
If the header operates close to the ground for short crops, then crop collection completeness is improved, but the speed of travel through the field must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor feedback system enables the header to operate safely close to the ground at higher speeds by continuously monitoring for ground contact risks. The automatic control response allows faster travel because the system can react quickly to potential collisions, preventing damage even at increased speeds.
Data Source
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AI summary
A header height control system having an operator input device (162) for selecting a desired height of travel of an agricultural harvesting head (104) above the ground, and wherein the system controls the agricultural harvesting head height based at least upon a header height control algorithm that is selected based at least upon the desired height of travel.