Published Technical Disclosure Archive

AI-Driven Autonomous Agricultural Header Technology

Publication ID: 24-11856884_0005_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “AI-Driven Autonomous Agricultural Header Technology,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856884_0005_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856884_0005_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,884.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent addressed the issue of crop flow concentration behind counter-rotating disc cutters in agricultural vehicles. However, this solution relied on manual adjustments and lacked real-time adaptability. The new invention solves this problem by integrating machine learning and sensor technology to autonomously optimize crop flow and minimize waste.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the concept of autonomous crop flow optimization using machine learning algorithms and real-time crop data, which is a significant departure from the manual adjustments and fixed configurations of the original patent. This invention provides a non-obvious solution to the problem of crop flow optimization, leveraging advances in AI and sensor technology.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include varying the type and arrangement of sensors, using different machine learning algorithms, or integrating the autonomous header with other agricultural systems. Variations could also include implementing the invention in different types of agricultural vehicles or crop processing systems.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The autonomous agricultural header has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in precision farming and crop processing. The invention could be marketed as a standalone product or integrated into existing agricultural systems, offering farmers and agricultural companies improved crop yields, reduced waste, and increased efficiency.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01D34/667
A A01 A01D41/1243
A A01 A01D43/10

Field of Art

Agricultural machinery design, specifically crop harvesting header systems with advanced control mechanisms, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, agricultural engineering, and sensor-based control systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with 5-7 years experience in agricultural equipment design, familiar with sensor integration, control systems, and machine learning applications in precision agriculture

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating machine learning and sensor technologies into existing agricultural header designs represents a predictable evolution of crop processing systems. The fundamental structural elements of the source patent provide a clear foundation for autonomous control enhancements. Machine learning techniques for optimizing mechanical system performance are well-established in precision agriculture, making the PTD's approach a logical extension of existing technological capabilities.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Swath gate with configurable positioning for crop material flow management
PTD Variation
Adding machine learning algorithms to dynamically adjust swath gate positioning based on real-time sensor data
Obviousness Reasoning
Automated control of mechanical parameters is a known technique in agricultural systems, representing a predictable application of machine learning to existing mechanical designs
Source Patent Element
Agricultural header with multiple rolls for crop material conveyance
PTD Variation
Implementing sensor-based monitoring of crop flow rates and densities to optimize roll positioning and spacing
Obviousness Reasoning
Sensor-enhanced mechanical optimization is a standard approach in precision agriculture, representing an incremental technological improvement
Source Patent Element
Fixed configuration swath gate for crop material management
PTD Variation
Autonomous swath gate with integrated machine learning module for real-time adaptive positioning
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive control systems are a well-established method for improving mechanical system performance, particularly in agricultural equipment
Source Patent Element
Agricultural header designed for crop material processing
PTD Variation
Self-organizing header system that uses AI to predict and adjust crop processing parameters
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying machine learning to optimize mechanical system performance is a known technique in engineering design, representing a predictable technological progression
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856884 and the disclosed variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed autonomous agricultural header system obvious, as the integration of machine learning and sensor technologies represents a predictable enhancement to existing crop processing machinery design. The disclosed variations constitute prior art that would render obvious any patent claims covering similar autonomous agricultural header configurations.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,884
TitleAgricultural header with swath gate for spreading and converging crop material
Assignee(s)CNH Industrial America LLC