Header Reel Height Control Using Crop Canopy Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reel height control systems in combine harvesters are often set based on a predetermined distance above the header, failing to optimize reel height according to the variable crop canopy height, leading to inefficiencies in crop guidance and potential losses.
Innovation Solution
A reel height control system that utilizes sensors, such as ultrasound, lidar, or contact sensors, to detect crop canopy height and adjust the reel's position independently relative to the crop, ensuring it follows the crop height rather than the ground contours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reel height is set to a predetermined distance above the header to follow ground contours, then the header height control system operates reliably, but the reel fails to optimally position itself relative to variable crop canopy height
Solution Approach 1:
The reel height control system transitions from a static predetermined offset to a dynamic adjustment mechanism that continuously adapts reel height based on real-time crop canopy height measurements from sensors, allowing the reel to optimally follow variable crop heights across different field conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensor feedback that continuously measures crop canopy height and feeds this information back to the reel height control mechanism, enabling automatic adjustment of reel position to maintain optimal engagement with the crop throughout the harvesting process
2Stability of the object's composition
If the reel follows ground contours through header height adjustment, then the header maintains consistent cutting height above ground, but the reel cannot adapt to variable crop canopy height across the field
Solution Approach 1:
The height control system is segmented into two independent control loops: header height control that follows ground contours for stable cutting height, and reel height control that independently adapts to crop canopy height variations, allowing each component to optimize its function separately
Solution Approach 2:
The reel height control system dynamically adjusts reel position based on real-time sensor measurements of crop canopy height, enabling the reel to adapt to varying crop heights across the field while the header maintains its stable cutting height through separate ground-following control
3Device complexity
If the reel is positioned too high or low relative to crop canopy height, then the system结构简单 (simple structure), but crop guidance effectiveness decreases and losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reel height control system operates autonomously using sensor measurements and automatic control mechanisms to adjust reel position, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring continuous optimization of crop guidance effectiveness throughout harvesting operations
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
Enhances crop yield by effectively guiding the crop into the header, minimizing losses, and optimizing the reel's position based on real-time crop height variations.
Implementation Method 1
The sensors may employ any sensor technologies that can sense crop canopy height in front of the combine harvester and may include ultrasound sensors
Implementation Method 2
The sensors may employ any sensor technologies that can sense crop canopy height in front of the combine harvester and may include lidar sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
A reel height control system implemented on a combine harvester or other agricultural machine having a rotatable reel includes one or more sensors for sensing a crop to be harvested and generating corresponding sensor signals; machine controls for raising or lowering the reel; and a processing unit for receiving the sensor signals from the sensors, determining a height of the crop based on the sensor signals, and controlling the machine controls to position the reel to follow the height of the crop.