Multi-Segment Header Mapping for Flooded Field Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
As agricultural harvesters with multi-segment headers operate in varying field conditions, existing systems lack the ability to efficiently manage segment states and display relevant information, leading to inefficiencies in harvesting, particularly in avoiding flooded areas and optimizing crop collection.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting apparatus with a multi-segment header that includes positioning machinery, a display, and a controller to selectively position segments into operational or non-operational states, determine these states, and present them on a display, allowing for real-time adaptation and mapping of harvesting progress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-segment headers are used to follow field contours and avoid flooded areas, then harvesting reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple positioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple independent segments (center segment and wing segments) that can be individually positioned. Each segment can be independently raised or lowered to adapt to field conditions, allowing the header to follow contours and avoid flooded areas while maintaining harvesting reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The header segments are equipped with positioning machinery that allows dynamic adjustment of segment states during harvesting operations. The segments can transition between operational and non-operational states based on real-time field conditions, providing adaptability without requiring complete system redesign.
2Ease of operation
If real-time display of segment states is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and display systems
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are integrated into the header segments to detect their operational states (raised or lowered positions). This state information is fed back to a display system in the harvester cab, providing real-time visibility of segment positions to the operator. This feedback mechanism enables easy monitoring and control of complex multi-segment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the positioning machinery and the display system. The controller receives signals from sensors about segment positions and translates them into visual representations on the display, simplifying the operator's task of monitoring complex header configurations without requiring direct observation of mechanical components.
3Productivity
If header width is increased to harvest more crop per pass, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in managing multi-segment configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The wide header is segmented into multiple independently controllable units. This segmentation allows the operator to manage each segment separately through individual positioning controls, making operation of the wide header as manageable as narrower headers while maintaining the productivity benefits of increased width.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning capability allows each segment to be independently adjusted during operation. This dynamic control enables the operator to optimize header configuration for different field conditions without the complexity of fixed wide-header designs, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high productivity through increased effective harvesting width.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for presenting information associated with a multi-segment header of an agricultural harvester. The operational states of the segments are monitored and used to present information. Examples of presented information include graphics depicting which segments are operational and which segments are non-operational, crop coverage maps, and crop yield maps.