Harvesting Header Suspension Control for Sloped Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesting machines face challenges in maintaining optimal cutting height and ground contact across varying terrain and field conditions, leading to issues like the harvesting header frowning or raising out of cut, which affects efficiency and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting header system with a suspension system that includes a controller and slope detection system, allowing for real-time adjustment of suspension force based on terrain slope, using sensors and actuators to maintain consistent ground contact and cutting height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the harvesting header operates on varying terrain without active suspension adjustment, then the structure remains simple and reliable, but the cutting height consistency and ground contact deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic suspension system where the suspension force is actively adjusted in real-time based on detected terrain slope. The controller modifies the suspension force applied to the second frame assembly in response to slope detection system input, allowing the header to adapt to varying terrain conditions and maintain consistent cutting height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where the slope detection system continuously monitors terrain slope and communicates this information to the controller. The controller then adjusts the suspension force accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal cutting height by responding to actual terrain conditions.
2Productivity
If manual adjustments are made frequently to maintain cutting height on sloped terrain, then system complexity remains low, but productivity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting suspension system that automatically responds to terrain changes without requiring operator intervention. The slope detection system and controller work together to autonomously modify the suspension force, allowing the harvesting header to maintain optimal cutting height independently and continuously throughout operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the suspension force is increased to maintain ground contact on sloped terrain, then cutting height consistency improves, but the risk of header frowning or raising out of cut increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the suspension force parameter based on detected terrain slope. The controller adjusts the magnitude of the suspension force applied to the second frame assembly in response to slope detection system input, optimizing the balance between maintaining ground contact and preventing header instability under varying operational conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A harvesting header for traversing a field to perform a harvesting operation includes a first frame assembly adapted to be coupled to a work machine and a second frame assembly suspended forward of the first frame assembly. The second frame assembly may pivot relative to the first frame assembly. A suspension system is coupled to the second frame assembly and provides a suspension force to the second frame assembly. A controller is operably coupled to the suspension system, and a slope detection system is disposed in electrical communication with the controller for communicating a slope of the field to the controller during the harvesting operation. The controller operably controls the suspension system by adjusting the suspension force based on the slope of the field.