Agricultural Header Reel Position Control for Wing Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current draper headers face challenges in maintaining optimal clearance between the reel and the cutterbar, leading to potential damage and reduced harvesting efficiency due to the reel's fixed position relative to the wings, which can result in contact with the cutterbar during ground contour following.
Innovation Solution
The system and method for adjusting the position of the reel relative to the wings of a draper header, allowing for independent movement of the reel arms to maintain a desired clearance based on the wing's position, using sensors and actuators to adjust the reel's position within defined intervals or based on real-time wing position, thereby preventing contact with the cutterbar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reel is fixed relative to the wings, then the structure is simple, but the reel contacts the cutterbar during ground contour following causing damage and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The reel is made dynamically adjustable relative to the wings through actuators that can change the reel's position based on wing position sensors and control system commands, allowing the clearance to be maintained during ground contour following
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control system is implemented where wing position sensors detect the wing's position, the control system processes this information, and actuators adjust the reel position accordingly to maintain optimal clearance between the reel and cutterbar
2Productivity
If the reel position is adjusted continuously, then the harvesting efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous adjustment, the reel position is adjusted in discrete steps or intervals based on wing position thresholds, providing sufficient clearance maintenance while reducing the complexity of the adjustment mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reel position parameter in response to detected wing position changes, adjusting clearance dynamically through controlled parameter modification rather than continuous mechanical adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for automatically controlling a position of a reel relative to wing of an agricultural header in response to movement of the wing are disclosed. In some instances, a position of the reel, such as a portion of the reel, is located at a different position relative to the wing based on an amount of articulation of the wing, such as an amount of angular displacement of the wing relative to a datum, such as a center frame of the header.