Header position control with forward contour prediction
US6615570B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01D41/141
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for harvester header height and tilt control includes a sensor, such as a crop edge detector, mounted on the harvester for predicting ground contour of an area a substantial distance in front of the header for generally the entire width of the header. An on-board processor calculates the desired header height and tilt for that area in advance of the harvester reaching the area. The early ground contour measurements enable faster and smoother header height adjustments requiring reduced hydraulic power. The predicted contour also facilitates early compensation for the effects of abrupt header attitude changes resulting from harvester ground wheels or tracks riding on that contour. The system can be used to maintain header height a preselected distance below the crop heads to reduce harvester throughput.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.