Solid-State Inclinometers Replace Mechanical Linkages in Harvester Header Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing header position sensing systems in agricultural harvesters are complex and prone to failure due to the use of mechanical linkages and analogue sensors, which are not robust in dirty operating environments.
Innovation Solution
A header position sensing system utilizing solid-state dual-axis inclinometers mounted on both the chassis and header, calculating the relative position using geometric principles and eliminating the need for mechanical linkages and analogue sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical linkages and analogue sensors are used to measure header position, then measurement capability is provided, but system complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages and analogue sensors with solid-state inclinometers that use electronic sensors and digital signal processing. The inclinometers contain accelerometers that measure gravitational force vectors to determine pitch and roll angles, eliminating the need for mechanical connection rods, linkages, and analogue transducers while providing equivalent or superior measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mechanical linkage system entirely, using only the inclinometers mounted on the header and feederhouse to determine relative position. By removing the intermediate mechanical components that physically connected the header to the measurement system, the design reduces complexity and potential failure points while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical linkages and analogue sensors are used to measure header position, then measurement capability is provided, but reliability decreases in dirty operating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages and analogue sensors with solid-state inclinometers that use electronic sensors and digital signal processing. The inclinometers contain accelerometers that measure gravitational force vectors to determine pitch and roll angles, eliminating the need for mechanical connection rods, linkages, and analogue transducers while providing equivalent or superior measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs solid-state inclinometers that are inherently more robust and easier to replace than complex mechanical linkage systems. If an inclinometer fails, it can be quickly replaced without affecting other components, whereas mechanical linkage failures often require complex diagnostics and part replacements throughout the mechanical system.
3Device complexity
If solid state inclinometers are used to measure header angle, then system complexity is reduced, but accurate measurement of header position with respect to chassis becomes difficult due to slope variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from two independent inclinometer measurements to calculate the relative position between header and feederhouse. By measuring the absolute angles of both components with respect to gravity and computing their difference, the system automatically compensates for slope variations and machine inclination, providing accurate relative position data regardless of operating terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring only the header angle in one dimension to measuring both the header angle and the feederhouse angle independently, then calculating their relative difference. This dimensional approach—measuring each component's orientation separately with respect to the gravitational reference frame—enables accurate determination of their relative position while eliminating the influence of overall machine slope.
4Measurement precision
If header attachment frame with pitch and roll adjustment is provided, then header positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages and analogue sensors with solid-state inclinometers that use electronic sensors and digital signal processing. The inclinometers contain accelerometers that measure gravitational force vectors to determine pitch and roll angles, eliminating the need for mechanical connection rods, linkages, and analogue transducers while providing equivalent or superior measurement accuracy.
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
This solution reduces system complexity, cost, and increases reliability by using solid-state sensors to accurately measure pitch and roll, regardless of the operating slope, and allows for simple detachment of the header without electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
inclinometers sense angular displacement with respect to a gravitational reference
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining the relative position of a header with respect to a chassis of a self-propelled agricultural harvester. Single or dual axis inclinometers are secured to the header and the chassis respectively and signals generated in combination with a stored relationship to header position are used to determine the header position, whether that be the pitch and/or the roll degrees of freedom.