Header Height Correction Using Hydraulic Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural machines struggle with slow adjustment of header height in response to terrain changes, leading to reduced crop yield due to improper positioning during operations like encountering bumps, entering ditches, or transitioning between fields and roads.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a controller to rapidly adjust the header height through a hydraulic system with lift and float actuators, controlled by electrically operated valves, based on data from sensors measuring header position and pressure, to maintain a predetermined harvesting position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional header height adjustment mechanisms are used, then the structure remains simple, but the header height adjustment speed is slow leading to reduced crop yield
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect terrain conditions and machine position in advance, allowing the controller to predict when header height adjustment will be needed and initiate the adjustment process proactively, reducing the time lag between needing adjustment and actually adjusting
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors header height, machine position, and terrain conditions through sensors, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust header height in real-time, ensuring optimal positioning is maintained throughout operation
2Speed
If the header height is manually or conventionally adjusted, then the system complexity remains low, but the response to terrain changes is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual or purely mechanical height adjustment mechanisms with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, a controller, and electronic actuators to rapidly adjust header height in response to terrain changes
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates multiple functions including terrain sensing, position tracking, height measurement, and automated actuator control into a single unified system that manages header height adjustment comprehensively
3Adaptability or versatility
If the header remains at a fixed height, then the control system remains simple, but the header cannot adapt to terrain changes or operational transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed header height to dynamic height adjustment by continuously monitoring terrain conditions, machine position, and header height through sensors, and automatically adjusting height in real-time based on changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses onboard sensors to automatically detect when height adjustment is needed and autonomously controls the actuators to make adjustments without operator intervention, enabling the header to self-correct its position
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
Enables rapid and precise adjustment of the header height, minimizing unharvested crop and improving yield by quickly responding to terrain changes and operational transitions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one valve fluidly coupled to the float actuator and configured to move between open and closed positions to change pressure in the float actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural machine includes a main frame, a rockshaft pivotably coupled to the main frame, a lift actuator couple between the rock shaft and the main frame, a lift arm pivotably coupled to the main frame below the rockshaft, a lift strap coupled between the rockshaft and the lift arm, and a lift actuator coupled between the main frame and the lift strap to pull the lift arm upwards. The agricultural machine includes header, which is supported by the lift arm and the float actuator above the ground at a desired harvesting height. During harvesting, the lift arm may encounter uneven ground, causing the header to move away from the desired harvesting height. By measuring float actuator pressure or header position and by changing the pressure in the float actuator or lift actuator in response, the header can be rapidly returned to the desired harvesting height.