Laterally segmented harvesting header comprising a center section dependent height control for the side wing sections and corresponding adjustment method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvesting headers lack responsive height control for side wing sections, leading to inconsistent cut height and potential mechanical damage due to excessive flexing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for adjusting the height of side wing sections using sensors and processors to maintain a consistent height relative to a central section, incorporating a control logic to prevent excessive flexing and ensure uniform cut height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of skid shoes is used for setting header height, then the operator can control header height, but the skid shoe height is not responsive to combine control adjustments and cut height consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the header height control system with the combine control system by integrating sensors on the side wing sections and processing logic that communicates with the combine's existing controls. This allows a single control interface to manage both the central section and side wing sections, eliminating the independence problem and ensuring coordinated adjustment across all header sections for consistent cut height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensors positioned on the side wing sections that continuously monitor height and flexing. This feedback is processed by a control system that automatically adjusts side wing section heights to match the central section, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains cut height consistency without requiring separate manual adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If side wing sections are allowed to flex independently, then flexibility and adaptability to terrain improve, but excessive flexing causes mechanical damage and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the side wing sections to flex independently in response to terrain variations, improving adaptability. However, it simultaneously implements active control through sensors and processing logic that detect excessive flexing and automatically adjust heights to prevent mechanical damage, thus maintaining reliability while preserving necessary flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary anti-action by using sensors to detect conditions that would lead to excessive flexing and mechanical damage before they occur. The control system takes preventive action by adjusting side wing section heights in advance to avoid the harmful flexing conditions, thereby protecting the mechanical components while still allowing controlled flexibility for terrain adaptation.
3Manufacturing precision
If independent height control is provided for each header section, then cut height precision improves, but device complexity and control system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the control system to manage multiple header sections (central section and multiple side wing sections) through a single integrated processing logic that communicates with the combine's existing control interface. This multi-functional approach enables precise independent control of each section while avoiding the complexity of separate control systems for each section.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for adjusting a header mounted on an agricultural harvester. The header (10) includes a central section (16) and a plurality of side wing sections (18). Each of the plurality of side wing sections extends between an inner portion and an outer portion (14), wherein each inner portion is pivotally coupled to the central section. Each of the side wing sections includes a height-adjustable ground engaging device (32) the outer portion. The method comprises the steps of determining a height of the central section and an outer wing height based on a height of one of the plurality of outer portions, and determining whether the outer wing height is within a threshold of the height of the central section. If yes, the height of the side wing sections is adjusted appropriately until the determined outer wing height falls within the threshold.