Segmented Harvesting Header Height Control With Emulated Sensor Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine control systems for are not suitable for controlling the position of segmented headers, which are not suitable for controlling the position of segmented headers, and existing control systems for are not suitable for controlling the position of segmented headers.
Innovation Solution
A system for controlling the position of segmented headers, which are not suitable for controlling the position of segmented headers, and existing control systems for are not suitable for controlling the position of segmented headers, and existing control systems for are not suitable for controlling the position of segmented headers, and existing control systems for are not suitable for controlling the position of segmented header systems for are not suitable for controlling the position of segmented headers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a unitary header structure is used, then the control system can easily control the header position, but the header cannot effectively follow ground contours on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple independent segments (center section and wing sections) that can move relative to each other. Each segment can independently follow ground contours while the overall header width is maintained, resolving the contradiction between ease of control and terrain adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The header transitions from a static unitary structure to a dynamic articulated structure with movable joints. The wing sections can pivot and adjust their position dynamically to adapt to varying terrain conditions while maintaining connection to the center section.
2Productivity
If the header width is increased to improve harvesting efficiency, then fewer passes are required, but the header becomes less effective at following ground contours
Solution Approach 1:
The wide header is segmented into a center section and outboard wing sections that can independently adjust. This allows the header to maintain its wide harvesting width while each segment can independently follow ground contours, resolving the contradiction between productivity and terrain adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If articulated headers with multiple segments are used, then terrain adaptability is improved, but existing combine control systems cannot properly control the segmented header position
Solution Approach 1:
A header control subsystem acts as an intermediary between the multiple height sensors and the existing combine control system. It processes sensor data from all header segments and generates emulated height signals that the existing control system can interpret, maintaining compatibility while enabling articulated header control.
Solution Approach 2:
The header control subsystem creates emulated copies of height sensor signals that represent the equivalent position of a unitary header. These emulated signals allow the existing control system to operate as if controlling a simple unitary header, while actually controlling the complex articulated structure.
4Measurement precision
If multiple height sensors are deployed on articulated header segments, then terrain following precision is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The header control subsystem serves as an intermediary that consolidates data from multiple height sensors on different segments. It processes the complex sensor inputs and outputs simplified emulated signals, maintaining measurement precision while reducing the apparent complexity for the main control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The header control subsystem merges data from multiple independent height sensors into unified emulated height signals. This combining process maintains the precision benefits of multiple sensors while presenting a simplified interface to the existing control system.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural vehicle header system having a center section, an inboard height sensor located on the center section between a lateral centerline and an end of the center section, a wing section movably attached to the end of the center section, a number of outboard height sensors located on the wing section between an inboard end and an outboard end of the wing section, and a header control subsystem. Each of the outboard height sensors is configured to output a respective outboard height sensor signal. The header control subsystem is operatively connected to the outboard height sensors, and configured to receive the respective outboard height sensor signals from each of the outboard height sensors, and generate a single emulated outboard height sensor signal based on the outboard height sensor signals.