Multi-Unit Harvesting Machine With One-Command Lift-Lower Sequences

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-unit harvesting machines require significant operator dexterity and concentration to accurately transition units between working and headland configurations, especially when crossing boundaries between zones to be worked and excluded, with potential for errors leading to incomplete or excessive work due to mis-timed transitions.

Innovation Solution

A controller is configured to execute standardized lowering and lifting sequences where a single command input transposes each unit downwards or upwards, reducing the need for complex timing adjustments and minimizing operator error.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the machine uses automatic transposition with time delay between front and rear units, then the number of commands to be entered is reduced, but the operator must simultaneously focus on command selection and timing, requiring significant dexterity and concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of commands to be enteredVSAvoidoperator dexterity and concentration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transposition operation is segmented into distinct phases: command input phase and automatic execution phase. The controller separates the decision-making (command input) from the execution (automatic transposition with time delay), allowing the operator to focus on one task at a time rather than simultaneously managing both command selection and timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is programmed with pre-configured transposition sequences that include predetermined time delays. The operator inputs a command in advance, and the controller automatically executes the transposition sequence with appropriate timing, eliminating the need for the operator to manually coordinate timing with multiple units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If the machine uses fixed time delay for automatic transposition, then rear units can be transposed automatically, but the time delay must be modified for different boundary types to remain precise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic transposition of rear unitsVSAvoidadaptability to different boundary types

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed time delay to dynamic, adaptable time delay configuration. The controller can modify transposition parameters based on detected boundary characteristics, allowing the same automatic transposition mechanism to adapt to different boundary types (straight boundaries, curved boundaries, varying widths) without requiring manual reconfiguration for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the transposition process and boundary conditions. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts time delay parameters to maintain precision across different boundary types, eliminating the need for manual modification of time delays for each boundary variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the time delay is not accurately configured, then the machine can operate with standard settings, but zones may be worked incorrectly (worked too soon or too late, or missed entirely)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandard operation speedVSAvoidtransposition timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual timing judgment and mechanical coordination with an electronic control system. The controller uses sensors, processors, and programmed logic to automatically determine the precise moment for transposition, substituting human operator timing skills with electronic measurement and control mechanisms that provide consistent, accurate timing regardless of operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250287875A1Multi-unit harvesting machine allowing the execution of sequences

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 KUHN SA

AI summary

A machine includes a right-hand unit and a left-hand unit, a central unit extending between the left-hand unit and the right-hand unit viewed in the working direction, each unit being able to occupy a working configuration and a headland configuration, an interface for inputting command being associated with the machine and connected to a controller for transposing each unit downwards, which means transposing it from the headland configuration to the working configuration, and for transposing each unit upwards, which means transposing it from the working configuration to the headland configuration, the controller being configured to allow execution of a lowering sequence during which each input of a same lowering command transposes at least one of the units downwards, and a lifting sequence during which each input of a same lifting command transposes at least one of the units upwards.