Windrower Speed Resolution Control for Different Header Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural windrowers face challenges in precisely controlling ground speed due to insensitive resolution settings in the multi-function handle, which can limit user control and efficiency when using different types of headers.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural vehicle system that adjusts the maximum speed amount of the wheel drivers based on the type of header attached, using a controller to receive a header type signal and output a resolution signal to define the maximum speed, allowing the control handle to be displaced from a zero speed position to a maximum speed position with a customizable resolution for precise speed control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed resolution is used in the multi-function handle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to insufficient speed control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resolution of the multi-function handle adjustable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically changes the resolution based on operating conditions, allowing the user to select between different resolution levels (e.g., first resolution for normal operation, second resolution for precise speed control). This transforms a static control system into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational requirements, thereby improving ease of operation without permanently increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the resolution parameter of the multi-function handle based on detected operating conditions or user selection. When a header is detected or selected, the system changes the resolution parameter to provide finer speed control. This allows the same hardware to provide different levels of control precision by changing the software-controlled resolution parameter, avoiding the need for multiple physical control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the maximum speed resolution is increased for precise control, then the ease of operation improves, but the productivity decreases due to slower maximum operating speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the resolution based on the operational context. During header attachment operations, it switches to a higher resolution mode for precise speed control. During normal harvesting operations, it switches to a lower resolution mode that allows faster response and higher maximum speeds. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by providing high precision only when needed, maintaining high productivity during other operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system periodically evaluates operational conditions (such as header attachment status) and switches between different resolution modes accordingly. This periodic assessment and switching allows the system to optimize between precision and speed based on current needs, ensuring high productivity during normal operation while providing precise control when headers are being attached or adjusted.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal control resolution is used for all header types, then the device complexity is minimized, but the adaptability deteriorates because different headers require different optimal speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control resolution parameter based on the detected or selected header type. Each header type can have optimized resolution settings that match its operational requirements. The control system automatically or manually adjusts the resolution parameter when different headers are detected or selected, providing optimal adaptability without requiring complex hardware changes for each header type.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be universal by accommodating multiple header types through software-based resolution adjustment rather than requiring hardware modifications. A single multi-function handle can serve all header types by dynamically changing its resolution characteristics, making the control system truly multi-functional without increasing physical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, a header carried by the chassis, an operator cab carried by the chassis, wheels carried by the chassis, at least one wheel driver coupled to at least one of the wheels and configured to drive the at least one coupled wheel at a wheel drive speed, a control handle placed in the operator cab that is displaceable from a zero speed position to a maximum speed position, and a controller operably coupled to the at least one wheel driver. The controller is configured to receive a header type signal indicating a header type of the header and output a resolution signal to the at least one wheel driver to define the maximum speed amount based at least partially on the received header type signal.