Skid Shoe Position Control for Consistent Header Cut Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for adjusting the height of skid shoes on agricultural headers are not responsive to combine control adjustments, leading to inconsistent cut heights and potential mechanical damage due to excessive flexing of side wing sections.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses sensors and a processor to adjust the height of skid shoes based on central and outer section measurements, ensuring the outer wing heights align within a threshold of the central section height, and includes control logic to prevent excessive flexing by modifying height signals sent to the combine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of skid shoes is used, then operator control is maintained, but cut height consistency deteriorates due to lack of responsiveness to combine controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the skid shoe control system with the combine height control system by integrating sensors that monitor both combine height and skid shoe position, and a controller that coordinates both systems. This allows the skid shoes to respond automatically to combine control adjustments while maintaining operator control through the unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to continuously monitor the actual height of the combine and skid shoes, comparing these measurements with desired height setpoints, and automatically adjusting the skid shoe position to maintain consistent cut height. The feedback loop ensures responsive adjustment without requiring manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If skid shoe height is not responsive to combine controls, then independent adjustment is maintained, but mechanical damage risk increases due to excessive flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the skid shoe height adjustment dynamic by continuously monitoring the combine height and automatically adjusting the skid shoes to maintain a consistent offset relationship. This dynamic adjustment prevents excessive flexing of the side wing sections while maintaining the ability to adapt to different terrain conditions and operator preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively adjusting the skid shoe position before excessive flexing occurs. The control system monitors the relative position between the combine and skid shoes and makes preemptive adjustments to maintain safe operating margins, preventing mechanical damage before it occurs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If outer wing height differs significantly from central section height, then terrain adaptation is improved, but structural stress increases due to excessive flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the parameter of height differential between the outer wing sections and central section by using sensors to measure the actual height difference and the controller to adjust the skid shoe position accordingly. This maintains the height differential within a predetermined safe range, allowing terrain adaptation while preventing excessive structural stress.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting a header mounted on an agricultural harvester. The header includes a central section and a plurality of side wing sections. Each of the plurality of side wing sections extends between an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion of each of the plurality of side wing sections is pivotally coupled to the central section. Each of the plurality of side wing sections includes a ground engaging device mounted on the side wing section adjacent the outer portion. Each ground engaging device has an adjustable height. The method comprises the steps of determining a height of the central section of the header, determining an outer wing height based on a height of one of the plurality of outer portions, determining whether the outer wing height is within a threshold of the height of the central section, and if it is determined that the outer wing height is not within the threshold of the height of the central section, adjusting the height of the ground engaging device until the outer wing height is within the threshold the height of the central section.