Combine Harvester Pickup Header Control on Terraced Ground

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for operating front attachments on self-propelled combine harvesters struggle to effectively adjust to terraced fields, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage due to manual overrides and mechanical limitations.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing actuators and distance sensors to automatically adjust the transverse position of a front attachment's side segments, allowing for prioritized ground guidance and manual input to ensure consistent cutting height, even in terraced fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If transverse compensation is used to centrally align the front attachment, then the difference in distance between the front attachment and the ground at the outer ends is compensated, but harvested material is left standing on one side or both sides of the front attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting height consistencyVSAvoidharvested material left standing

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The front attachment is divided into a center segment and at least two side segments that can be independently controlled. The control device prioritizes height guidance for one side segment over the other, allowing asymmetric adjustment where the prioritized side segment reaches the set cutting height while the non-prioritized side may have varying distance from the ground, preventing material loss on the prioritized side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the front attachment (center segment and side segments) are given different control priorities for height guidance. The control device applies local quality control by prioritizing height guidance for one side segment over the other, ensuring that the prioritized side maintains consistent cutting height while allowing the non-prioritized side to adapt to ground variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual override is used to adjust side segments in terraced fields, then adaptation to ground contour is achieved, but operator workload increases and mechanical end stops limit adjustment capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to ground contourVSAvoidoperator workload

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically determines transverse control of the front attachment and/or side segments based on prioritization for height guidance, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The system self-adjusts by automatically prioritizing one side segment over the other, adapting to ground contours in terraced fields without increasing operator workload or being limited by mechanical end stops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensor data and prioritization logic to determine transverse control. This electronic control system substitutes for manual operator actions, enabling adaptation to complex ground contours like terraced fields without operator intervention and without being constrained by mechanical adjustment limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If both side segments are controlled for transverse compensation, then central alignment is achieved, but cutting height consistency is compromised on sloped or terraced terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentral alignmentVSAvoidcutting height consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts the prioritization of height guidance between side segments based on real-time conditions. Instead of fixed symmetric control, the system can switch which side segment receives priority height guidance, allowing dynamic adaptation to sloped or terraced terrain while maintaining central alignment through transverse compensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetric control where one side segment is prioritized for height guidance over the other. This asymmetric approach allows the prioritized side to maintain consistent cutting height while the non-prioritized side provides transverse compensation for central alignment, resolving the contradiction between symmetric alignment and asymmetric terrain adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS20250344641A1Method for operating a front attachment arranged on a pick-up device of a combine harvester and self-propelled combine harvester

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH

AI summary

A method for operating an attachment arranged on a pick-up device of a self-propelled combine harvester and a self-propelled combine harvester. The pick-up device is adjustable in height using actuators and comprises a center segment and two side segments which are each connected by a frame joint to the center segment to be pivotable about a pivot axis oriented in the direction of travel. The given side segment is pivotable relative to the center segment using at least one actuator controlled by a control device. A transverse position angle of the attachment is set by pivoting about a virtual pendulum axis of the pick-up device a distance between ground and the attachment being determined using distance sensors, the signals of which are evaluated by the control device for transverse control of the attachment and/or of the given side segments. The transverse control depends on height guidance of a side segment.