Reel Misalignment Detection in Self-Propelled Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled harvesters face misalignment issues due to hydraulic system leakage or thermal influences, leading to a crooked reel that impairs functions like reel-canopy protection and reel-blade protection, as existing systems rely solely on angle sensors for height detection, failing to recognize misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The evaluation unit identifies the responsible reel support arm for misalignment by comparing position data from sensor units, issuing an error message to the operator, allowing for targeted repair or replacement, and using a master-slave hydraulic cylinder arrangement for synchronous movement to correct alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic cylinders are used to adjust reel support arm positions, then the reel position can be adapted to the field, but hydraulic leaks or thermal influences cause the reel support arms to assume different positions leading to reel misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensor units continuously monitor the position of each reel support arm, and an evaluation unit compares these positions to detect misalignment. When misalignment is detected, the system provides information to guide corrective action, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliable reel alignment despite hydraulic system imperfections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the reel support system into independently monitorable segments by assigning sensor units to individual reel support arms. This segmentation allows the system to identify which specific arm is misaligned, enabling targeted correction rather than requiring complete system reconfiguration
2Device complexity
If only angle sensors on reel support arms are used for height detection, then the system is simple, but the system cannot detect reel misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor units multi-functional by using them both for height detection (original function) and for detecting reel misalignment (new function). The evaluation unit processes sensor data to perform both functions, eliminating the need for additional dedicated misalignment sensors and maintaining system simplicity while enhancing detection capability
3Reliability
If synchronous movement of reel support arms through position or speed control is implemented, then reel alignment can be maintained, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the system automatically detects reel misalignment through sensor units and evaluation, then provides diagnostic information that enables operators to perform simple manual corrections. This eliminates the need for complex automated synchronous control systems while maintaining reliable alignment through operator-guided adjustment
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-propelled harvesting machine (1), in particular a combine harvester (2), comprising at least one harvesting head (3) and at least one evaluation unit (4), wherein the harvesting head (3) comprises at least one frame (5) and at least one reel (6), wherein the reel (6) is rotatably driven and its position is adjustable, wherein the reel (6) is held on the frame (5) by means of at least two reel support arms (7), wherein at least one sensor unit (8) is assigned to each of the reel support arms (7) and wherein the sensor units (8) acquire data regarding the position of the reel (6) on each of the reel support arms (7).In order to provide a self-propelled harvesting machine (1) that eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art and improves the synchronization of the reel support arms (7), the invention provides that the evaluation unit (4) is designed and suitable to evaluate the data acquired by the sensor units (8) and to identify at least one reel support arm (7) responsible for a misalignment of the reel (6) and to transmit information about this to an output unit (9), wherein the output unit (9) issues an error message to an operator of the harvesting machine (1) based on the transmitted information.