Programmable Header Lifting for Windrowers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windrowers require operators to manually control header lifting, leading to inefficiencies as the header is often raised too high, causing unnecessary wear and disrupting windrows, and can be distracting, especially during turns.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that adjusts the header and swath roller in a self-propelled windrower to specific lifting heights based on windrow height and conditions, allowing for precise lifting and reducing operator distraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the header is raised to a preset maximum height each time, then the header clearance is sufficient for all conditions, but the header is raised higher than necessary causing unnecessary wear and time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The header lifting system transitions from a static preset height to a dynamic adaptive height that varies based on real-time conditions. The controller adjusts the lifting height programably between a minimum and maximum range, allowing the system to optimize the lifting distance for each specific operating condition rather than always raising to a fixed maximum position.
2Reliability
If the header is raised to a preset maximum height each time, then the header clearance is sufficient for all conditions, but the system experiences unnecessary wear due to extended operation time and range
Solution Approach 1:
The header lifting system transitions from a static preset height to a dynamic adaptive height that varies based on real-time conditions. The controller adjusts the lifting height programably between a minimum and maximum range, allowing the system to optimize the lifting distance for each specific operating condition rather than always raising to a fixed maximum position.
3Measurement precision
If the operator manually controls the header lifting switch throughout the process, then the lifting can be precisely controlled, but the operator is distracted from other tasks and may unintentionally disengage the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the header lifting process is automatically controlled by the controller based on pre-programmed parameters. The operator only needs to initiate the lifting sequence, and the system autonomously manages the lifting height and duration according to stored programs, eliminating the need for continuous manual switch control while maintaining precise lifting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting parameters (height, duration, speed) are pre-programmed into the controller before operation. This preliminary configuration allows the system to execute the lifting sequence automatically without requiring real-time operator intervention, reducing distraction while ensuring precise control according to predetermined specifications.
4Ease of operation
If the header is raised to a single pre-established height, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to varying windrow heights caused by different crop types, conditions, and atmospheric factors
Solution Approach 1:
The header lifting system transitions from a static preset height to a dynamic adaptive height that varies based on real-time conditions. The controller adjusts the lifting height programably between a minimum and maximum range, allowing the system to optimize the lifting distance for each specific operating condition rather than always raising to a fixed maximum position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of lifting parameters (height, duration, speed) to adapt to different operating conditions. The controller can be programmed with different lifting profiles for various crop types, windrow heights, and field conditions, enabling the same basic system to adapt to diverse situations through parameter adjustment rather than hardware changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural vehicle including a chassis and a header carried by the chassis and including a cutter mechanism. The header is adjustable in a vertical direction. The agricultural vehicle also includes a header actuator connected to the header and configured to adjust the header in the vertical direction, and a controller coupled to the header actuator. The controller is configured for receiving an input command for controlling an operation of the header actuator to achieve a lifting height, operating the header actuator in conformance with the input command, and terminating the operating of the header actuator.