Harvester Header Lateral Tilt Control via Ground Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic header height control systems for combine harvesters require manual operator intervention to adjust sensitivity and responsiveness, distracting from maximizing throughput and increasing operational effort.
Innovation Solution
An automatic system that adjusts header lateral tilt and height based on ground speed, using a microprocessor-based control unit with position and pressure transducers to maintain optimal cutting height and responsiveness without operator input, allowing preselection of sensitivity and responsiveness curves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of sensitivity and responsiveness is implemented, then operator control over system performance is improved, but operator workload and distraction from throughput maximization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts sensitivity and responsiveness based on ground speed measurements without requiring operator intervention. The control system monitors ground speed via transducers and autonomously modifies header height control parameters, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes control parameters (sensitivity and responsiveness) based on varying ground speed conditions. As ground speed increases, the system automatically adjusts parameters to maintain optimal performance, eliminating the need for manual dial or knob adjustments while adapting to changing operational conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If automatic header height control is implemented, then cutting height consistency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where transducers continuously measure ground speed and feed this information back to the control system. The control system then adjusts header height parameters based on this feedback, maintaining cutting consistency through closed-loop control rather than open-loop automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated unit that handles both header height control and sensitivity/responsiveness adjustment. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, managing complexity through functional integration.
3Speed
If sensitivity and responsiveness are increased for high ground speed, then system responsiveness to ground contour changes is improved, but system stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts sensitivity and responsiveness parameters based on measured ground speed. At higher ground speeds, the system increases responsiveness to maintain cutting consistency with rapidly changing ground contours, while at lower speeds it reduces sensitivity to prevent oscillation and maintain stability. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt its characteristics to operating conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for adjusting the lateral tilt of a harvester header (22) includes receiving, at a control system (26), a plurality of output signals from a plurality of transducers (34-38); determining, by the control system, at least one adjustment signal; determining, by the control system, a rate for transmitting the at least one adjustment signal; transmitting, by the control system, the at least one adjustment signal at the determined rate to at least one adjustment mechanism (32, 39, 40) operably connected to control system; and adjusting, by the at least one adjustment mechanism, the lateral tilt of the harvester header (22) in response to the at least one adjustment signal. The rate for transmitting the signal is determined based upon one or more of a forward speed of the harvester, the weight of the harvester header (22), and an input selection made by an operator of the harvester.