Combine Header Side-Segment Priority Control on Terraced Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating a header on a self-propelled combine harvester struggle to maintain accurate ground guidance in terraced fields, leading to crop loss due to manual override or mechanical limitations, which can cause damage.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a header on a height-adjustable receiving device using actuators and a control unit to prioritize lateral compensation for one side segment, allowing automatic ground guidance by adjusting the header's position to ensure the prioritized segment and central segment maintain a set cutting height, while the other segment may deviate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lateral compensation is performed for both side segments simultaneously, then ground guidance accuracy is improved, but mechanical stops prevent further adjustment in terraced fields causing crop to be left standing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the control priority between side segments. One side segment is assigned higher priority for height control while the other receives lower priority, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific local conditions in terraced fields rather than treating both segments uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the control system by creating an asymmetric priority structure where one side segment has higher control priority than the other. This asymmetric approach allows the system to adapt to the asymmetric nature of terraced field conditions where one side may require more precise height control than the other.
2Measurement precision
If manual override is used to adjust header position in terraced fields, then ground guidance accuracy is improved, but operator workload increases and mechanical damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the control system to automatically adapt to terraced field conditions through the prioritization mechanism. The system self-adjusts by automatically prioritizing one side segment over the other based on mechanical stop detection, eliminating the need for continuous manual override while maintaining ground guidance accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by detecting when mechanical stops are engaged and using this information to automatically adjust control priorities. The system receives feedback from the mechanical state and responds by reconfiguring the control strategy, allowing automatic adaptation without requiring operator intervention.
3Measurement precision
If manual override is used frequently to maintain cutting height, then ground guidance accuracy is improved, but risk of mechanical damage to the attachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preparing the control system in advance to handle mechanical stop conditions. The prioritization mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage when mechanical stops are detected, cushioning against the potential for mechanical damage by preventing excessive force application through manual override.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating a front attachment (2, 20) arranged on a height-adjustable receiving device (3) of a self-propelled combine harvester (1) by means of actuators (5), the front attachment comprising a central segment (21) and two side segments (22L, 22R), each of which is pivotably connected to the central segment (21) by a frame joint (23) about a pivot axis (24) oriented in the direction of travel (FR), wherein the respective side segment (22L, 22R) is pivotable relative to the central segment (21) about the pivot axis (24) by means of at least one actuator (25) controlled by a control unit (17), wherein a lateral tilt angle (19) of the front attachment (2, 20) is set by pivoting about a virtual pendulum axis (8) of the receiving device (3), wherein a distance (12) between the ground (10) and the front attachment (2, 20) is determined by means of distance sensors (13) arranged on the underside of the attachment device (2, 20),whose signals are supplied to the control unit (17) for evaluation, by which, depending on the signals, a lateral control of the attachment device (2, 20) and/or the respective side segments (22L, 22R) is controlled, wherein the lateral control by the control unit (17) is carried out depending on a prioritization for the height control of one of the two side segments (22L, 22R).