Multi-Segment Header Control via Integrated Wing Parameter Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of controlling wing movements in agricultural headers is increased due to incompatibility with combine harvester systems, requiring unique user-interfaces and controllers, which complicates wiring and installation.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a work vehicle controller, agricultural header controller, and wing controller, all connected via a network, allowing for unified control of the agricultural header and wing movements based on header parameters, enabling compatibility with single segment combine harvester systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a unique user-interface and controller are installed into the combine harvester to control the wings, then the wings can be controlled independently, but the complexity of wiring and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the wing control functionality into the existing combine harvester controller, making it multi-functional. The same controller that manages other header operations now also controls the wings, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated controller and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent wing control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wing control system with the existing header control system by connecting the wing controllers to the combine harvester's controller through the existing network. This consolidation combines multiple control functions into a unified system, reducing wiring complexity and installation burden while preserving the ability to control each wing independently
Data Source
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AI summary
A work vehicle system includes a work vehicle controller (154) configured to output a control signal (164) indicative of instructions to move a feeder house (104) based at least in part on at least one header parameter. The work vehicle controller (154) is configured to output the control signal (164) to a network (156). The work vehicle also includes an agricultural header controller (170) configured to receive the control signal (164) and control movement of the feeder house (104) based at least in part on the control signal (164). Further, the work vehicle includes a wing controller (174) configured to receive the at least one header parameter from the network (156) and output a wing control signal (176) indicative of instructions to move a wing (130) based at least in part on the at least one header parameter. The wing (130) is coupled to a center section (126).