Multi-Unit Harvesting Machine With One-Command Unit Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-unit harvesting machines require significant operator dexterity and concentration to transition units between working and maneuvering configurations, particularly when crossing boundaries between work and exclusion areas, leading to potential mistakes and imprecise timing that can result in incomplete or excessive work.
Innovation Solution
A controller is configured to execute predefined sequences of unit transitions (lowering and raising) based on a single command input, allowing operators to focus on timing without needing to manage individual unit transitions, reducing the risk of errors and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the machine uses automatic transposition with time delay between units, then the number of commands is reduced, but the timing precision becomes imprecise when boundary types vary
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the transposition timing based on the detected boundary type. The controller modifies the timing parameters of the transposition sequence according to whether the boundary is straight, curved, or at an intersection, ensuring precise timing for each specific boundary configuration while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from boundary detection (via GPS coordinates and boundary type classification) to adjust the transposition timing. The controller receives information about the boundary configuration and automatically adjusts the timing delays between unit transpositions to match the specific boundary type, resolving the contradiction between automatic operation and timing precision.
2Measurement precision
If the operator manually controls each unit transposition, then the timing precision is improved, but the operator dexterity and concentration requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the optimal transposition timing based on boundary detection. The controller autonomously calculates and executes the transposition sequence with appropriate timing delays, eliminating the need for operator intervention in timing decisions while maintaining high precision. The operator only needs to initiate the process, not manage individual timing parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine crosses boundaries at various orientations, then the versatility is improved, but the timing accuracy decreases due to misalignment with median planes
Solution Approach 1:
The system accounts for asymmetric situations where the machine's median plane does not align with the boundary median plane. The controller calculates adjusted timing parameters based on the relative positions and orientations of the units with respect to the boundary, allowing accurate transposition timing even when the machine approaches the boundary at various orientations or when units are at different distances from the boundary.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3(A)
Figure 3(B)~3(C)
AI summary
The present invention is connected to a machine (1) comprising a right unit (30) and a left unit (40), a central unit (50) extending between the left unit and the right unit seen in a working direction (S), each unit being able to occupy a working configuration and a maneuvering configuration, an interface (8) allowing the entry of commands being associated with the machine and connected to a controller (7) allowing each unit to be transposed into lowering, that is to say transposing it from its maneuvering configuration into working configuration, and to be transposed into lifting, that is to say transposing it from its working configuration into maneuvering configuration, the controller being configured to allow the execution of a lowering sequence and a lifting sequence during which each entry of the same command allows at least one of the units to be transposed into lowering or lifting.