Wireless Harvesting Header Connection for Agricultural Machinery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector arrangements between agricultural machines and their attachments are susceptible to breakage, wear, and failure due to contamination and are prone to costly repairs and downtime, while wireless communication methods face interference and cross-talk issues, especially in multi-machine environments.
Innovation Solution
A wireless attachment connection using inductively coupled communication, such as Near Field Communication (NFC), for transmitting electronic information and power between agricultural machines and their attachments, employing primary and secondary coils for secure and reliable data and power transfer, eliminating the need for physical connectors and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connector arrangements are used for electrical communication between agricultural machines and attachments, then electrical power and electronic information can be transmitted, but the connectors are susceptible to breakage, wear, and failure due to contamination and operator error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connector system with an inductive coupling system that uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power and data wirelessly between the agricultural machine and attachment, eliminating physical contact points that are susceptible to contamination and mechanical damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer electrical energy and electronic information between the agricultural machine and attachment without direct electrical contact, using inductive coupling through coils positioned near each other
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless electromagnetic communication is used between agricultural machines and attachments, then connector breakage and wear are eliminated, but the system becomes susceptible to interference and cross-talk in multi-machine environments
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive coupling system creates a localized electromagnetic field confined to the immediate vicinity of the coils, ensuring that wireless communication and power transfer occur only between the specific agricultural machine and attachment that are physically connected, preventing cross-talk with other nearby machines
3Reliability
If inductive coupling is used for wireless power and data transfer, then connector arrangements are eliminated, but the system requires precise alignment and proximity between transmitting and receiving coils
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes the inductive coupling connection automatically when the attachment is physically attached to the agricultural machine, with the coils pre-positioned to achieve optimal alignment and proximity through the mechanical attachment interface, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides reliable and interference-free transmission of electronic information and power, reducing the risk of breakage, wear, and failure, and minimizing downtime and repair costs by eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration and ensuring accurate tracking of attachment hours.
Implementation Method 1
A primary coil is connected to the agricultural machine for transmitting power to the attachment. A secondary coil is connected to the attachment for receiving power from the agricultural machine. The primary coil and the secondary coil cooperate to transmit power from the agricultural machine to the attachment using inductance.
Implementation Method 2
An agricultural machine side interface is connected to the agricultural machine side control system, and has at least one agricultural machine side inductively coupled communication receiver and at least one agricultural machine side inductively coupled communication transmitter. An attachment side interface is connected to the attachment side control system, and has at least one attachment side inductively coupled communication receiver and at least one attachment side inductively coupled communication transmitter.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An agricultural machine (10) and attachment combination (18) has a wireless attachment connection for transmitting electronic information, commands, and electric power between the agricultural machine (10) and attachment (18). An agricultural machine side control system (102) having a wireless interface (150) is connected to the agricultural machine (10) and an attachment side control system (152) having a wireless interface is connected to the attachment (18). Each interface has at least one inductively coupled communication receiver (106) and at least one inductively coupled communication transmitter (108). The transmitters (108) and receivers (106) cooperate to transmit electronic information and commands between the agricultural machine side control system(102) and the attachment side control system (152). A primary coil (118) is connected to the agricultural machine (10) for transmitting power to the attachment (18). A secondary coil (168) is connected to the attachment (18) for receiving power from the agricultural machine (10). The primary coil (118) and the secondary coil (168) cooperate to transmit power from the agricultural machine (10) to the attachment (18) using inductance.