Header Lateral Tilt Control for Stubble Height Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural plant cutting machines face challenges in maintaining consistent cutting height and preventing damage to the cutting apparatus when operating on laterally inclined surfaces, as conventional ground sensing is ineffective in stubble mode and manual operator adjustments are needed to compensate for uneven tilt angles, leading to operator workload and potential equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
An automatic lateral tilt control system that uses a lateral inclination sensor and controller to monitor the machine's tilt angle and additional characteristics, such as downward and sideward forces, to adjust the header's tilt relative to the machine, ensuring it remains parallel to the ground surface, even on inclined surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the header is positioned at a cutting height above the surface (stubble mode), then the machine can operate with higher stalks left on the surface, but conventional ground sensing capability becomes unavailable or inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary solution by using sensors on the left and right sides of the header to detect ground position indirectly, rather than relying on direct ground sensing under the header. This intermediary sensing approach allows the system to maintain ground reference capability even when the header is elevated in stubble mode, resolving the contradiction between cutting height capability and ground sensing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate with the header close to the surface using conventional ground sensing, and also operate in stubble mode with the header elevated by using the side sensors and automated tilt control. This multi-functionality allows the same system to adapt to different operating conditions, maintaining reliability across both modes
2Ease of operation
If the machine operates on a laterally inclined surface, then the machine tilts to a lateral tilt angle greater than the surface angle due to downward and sideward forces, but this causes the downhill side of the header to ride closer to the surface resulting in uneven cutting height
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual lateral tilt angle of the machine using sensors and compares it with the desired tilt angle (parallel to ground surface). Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the header tilt angle to compensate for machine tilting, ensuring uniform cutting height across the header width even when operating on inclined surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator intervention (mechanically adjusting header tilt) with an automated electronic control system. The controller automatically calculates the required header tilt adjustment based on sensor data and actuates the tilt mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous manual operator adjustment and providing more precise control over cutting height uniformity
3Manufacturing precision
If manual operator adjustment is used to compensate for header tilt on inclined surfaces, then cutting height uniformity can be maintained, but operator workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically monitoring machine tilt angle, calculating the required compensation, and adjusting the header tilt angle without operator intervention. The control system serves itself by using its own sensors and actuators to maintain optimal cutting conditions, completely eliminating the need for manual operator adjustment and reducing workload while maintaining cutting precision
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
The system maintains consistent cutting height, reduces the risk of equipment damage, and decreases operator workload by automatically adjusting the header's tilt to match the surface angle, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a lateral inclination sensor configured and operable for providing information representative of a lateral tilt angle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A system (30) and method for controlling the lateral tilt of a header (12) of an agricultural plant cutting machine (10), such as, but not limited to, a combine, windrower or the like, and more particularly, to an automatic lateral tilt control system for precisely controlling an angle (38) of lateral tilt of the header relative to the machine based on a lateral tilt angle of the machine relative to a reference (42) and at least one additional characteristic such that, when the machine is disposed on a laterally inclined surface (28), and the machine is at a tilt angle (36) differing from an angle of the laterally inclined surface, the angle (38) of lateral tilt of the header relative to the machine is responsively adjusted so an angle (40) of the lateral tilt of the header relative to the reference (42) is substantially equal to the angle (34) of the laterally inclined surface (28), the system especially useful when operating in a stubble mode and traversing inclined surfaces.