Steering Position Detection for Agricultural Header Transport Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural header transport systems face challenges in accurately detecting steering system articulation, leading to potential over-articulation and damage due to the size of the equipment and reduced steering response as the system approaches full articulation, making it difficult for operators to perceive when the steering system has reached its limit.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a position detection system with sensors, such as rotary sensors and contact sensors, that provide visual, audible, or haptic notifications to the operator when a selected amount of articulation is reached, using protrusions and flexible rods to indicate the steering system's position and prevent over-articulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the steering system approaches full articulation, then the steering response is reduced, but it becomes difficult for operators to perceive when the steering system has reached its limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects the position of a protrusion on the tongue relative to a contact component, and provides visual, audible, or haptic feedback to the operator when the steering system approaches full articulation. This resolves the contradiction by providing precise measurement feedback that compensates for the reduced operator perception capability at full articulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical perception method (operator physically sensing steering limits) with an electronic sensing system using sensors, protrusions, and contact components. This substitution enables precise detection of steering position that is independent of operator perception limitations.
2Reliability
If the equipment size is large, then the steering system has reduced response as it approaches full articulation, but this increases the risk of over-articulation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting the approaching steering limit before actual contact or over-articulation occurs. The sensor system provides advance warning to the operator, allowing corrective action to be taken before damage can occur, thus preventing the harmful effect of over-articulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism provides real-time information about steering position, enabling the operator to adjust steering input before reaching the dangerous zone of full articulation. This continuous feedback loop enhances reliability by preventing over-articulation through informed operator decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatuses for detecting an amount of steering articulation of a steering system are disclosed. The systems and apparatuses may be applied to steering systems of agricultural header transport systems. The systems and apparatuses may include a first component moveable with a first steering component and a second component that is movable with a second steering component. The first component and the second component may interact to generate a notification that a selected amount of steering articulation has occurred or is about to occur. The notification may be provided to an operator, such as in the form of a visual, audible, or haptic output.