Staggered Harvester Reel Actuation for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural header reel actuator systems face challenges such as high power draw and increased costs when using electric actuators, and complex and expensive hydraulic systems when using hydraulic actuators, especially when retrofitting headers with multiple reels, leading to limitations in independent positioning and power capacity.
Innovation Solution
A control system that alternately operates two reel actuators in repeating alternating incremental steps, using either hydraulic or electric actuators, to move the reel from one position to another by staggering the movement of the support arms, reducing power requirements and system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electric actuators are used to move reel support arms, then independent positioning control is improved, but power draw and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system operates actuators in alternating periodic cycles, activating one actuator for a first time period, then deactivating it and activating another actuator for a second time period. This periodic operation allows multiple actuators to share the power system load over time, reducing instantaneous power draw while maintaining independent positioning capability for each reel support arm.
2Power
If hydraulic actuators are used to move reel support arms, then power capacity is sufficient, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into multiple independent actuators that can be operated alternately. Each actuator has its own control circuit, but they share a common hydraulic power source. This segmentation allows the system to use simpler electrical control logic instead of complex centralized hydraulic control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sufficient power capacity through the hydraulic medium.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reels are mounted on a header, then harvesting capability is improved, but actuator power requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements periodic alternating operation of actuators for multiple reels. Each actuator operates in sequence rather than simultaneously, with control circuits that activate one actuator at a time based on predetermined time periods. This approach enables multiple reels to be independently positioned while using a simplified power distribution system that alternates power delivery among actuators, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural header having a frame (120), a first support arm (124), a second support arm (124) spaced from the first support arm (124), a reel (116) extending from a first reel end (130) rotatably mounted to the first support arm to a second reel end (132) rotatably mounted to the second support arm, a first actuator (128, 300, 400, 504, 600, 700) operatively connected to the frame (120) and the first reel end (130) and configured to move the first reel end (130) relative to the frame (120), a second actuator (128, 302, 402, 506, 602, 704) operatively connected to the frame (120) and the second reel end (132) and configured to move the second reel end (132) relative to the frame (120), and a control system (200, 608, 708) configured to alternately operate the first actuator (128, 300, 400, 504, 600, 700) and the second actuator (128, 302, 402, 506, 602, 704) in repeating alternating incremental steps to thereby move the reel (116) from a first reel position relative to the frame (120) to a second reel position relative to the frame (120). A combine (100) having such a header is also provided.