Mower Headland Turn Control to Prevent Windrow Disturbance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Executing a headland turn in a crop mower system is challenging, particularly for inexperienced operators, as it requires precise maneuvering of the mower implement and traction unit to avoid disturbing existing windrows and align for subsequent passes.
Innovation Solution
A crop mower system with a controller that executes an auto-turn sequence, automatically raising the mower implement, changing its lateral position, and aligning the traction unit to navigate around existing windrows and edges, using sensors and actuators to facilitate automated headland turns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator manually maneuvers the traction unit and mower implement during headland turn, then the mower implement can be positioned precisely, but the operational complexity and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the position of the mower implement relative to the windrow and automatically controls the hydraulic lift and steering systems to complete the headland turn, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operational difficulty while maintaining positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the mower implement position using sensors and provides real-time feedback to the control algorithm, which adjusts the hydraulic lift and steering commands accordingly to achieve precise positioning during the automated headland turn maneuver
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator executes headland turn manually, then flexibility in maneuvering is maintained, but the time required and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs the headland turn maneuver independently by processing sensor data and executing control commands, eliminating operator intervention time and significantly reducing the duration of the headland turn while maintaining adaptability through sensor-based position detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous monitoring and control during the headland turn, ensuring the mower implement remains properly positioned throughout the maneuver without interruption, thereby reducing total maneuver time and improving harvest efficiency
3Productivity
If the mower implement remains at cutting height during headland turn, then cutting capability is maintained, but disturbance to existing windrows increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically raises the mower implement to a transport height before the headland turn maneuver begins and maintains this elevated position during the turn, preventing contact with the windrow. The implement is then automatically lowered back to cutting height after the turn is complete, ensuring cutting readiness is restored without windrow disturbance
Data Source
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AI summary
A crop mower system includes a traction unit connected to a mower implement via a drawbar. A controller is operable to identify an existing headland windrow extending transverse to a current direction of travel of the mower implement, and identify a standing crop edge extending transverse to the current direction of travel of the mower implement and positioned prior to the existing headland windrow. When a leading edge of the cutter system reaches the standing crop edge, the controller automatically raises the mower implement from a cutting height to a raised height prior to the mower implement crossing the existing headland windrow, automatically swings the mower implement to another side, and automatically aligns the traction unit for a subsequent mower pass.