Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Agricultural Header Control System Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11856891_0009_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Agricultural Header Control System Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856891_0009_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856891_0009_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. 11,856,891.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a control system for agricultural headers, but it did not address the unique challenges posed by niche environments. The present invention builds upon the original patent by providing specialized solutions to overcome the limitations of the original system in these specific contexts.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of the present invention lies in its adaptation of the original control system to specific, niche environments, providing a tailored solution to overcome the limitations of the original system. The inventive step is the integration of specialized sensors, data processing, and control algorithms to address the unique challenges of each environment.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include the use of additional sensors, such as lidar or cameras, to enhance the system's performance in various environments. Variations of the invention may also include the integration of machine learning algorithms to optimize the system's performance over time.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, or high-altitude farming. The targeted markets include high-security agricultural facilities, disaster relief organizations, and specialized farming operations in challenging environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01D41/141
A A01 A01D41/1278

Field of Art

Agricultural machinery control systems, specifically header control technologies involving sensor-based guidance and positioning systems for harvesting equipment

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in agricultural robotics, sensor integration, and precision agriculture technologies, typically holding a degree in agricultural engineering or mechanical engineering with specialized knowledge in sensor-based control systems

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations of the source patent's core agricultural header control system by applying known sensor integration and environmental adaptation techniques. The PTD systematically extends the original sensor-based control methodology to different operational contexts using standard engineering problem-solving approaches. These variations represent logical extrapolations of the source patent's fundamental sensor-based guidance and control principles.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Controller receiving one-dimensional distance data from sensors mounted on agricultural header
PTD Variation
Integrating encrypted sensor data transmission for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Data encryption is a standard security technique in sensor systems, representing a predictable design modification for sensitive agricultural applications
Source Patent Element
Radar sensor for detecting horizontal distances to plant stalks
PTD Variation
Using radar sensor for detecting distances in limited visibility conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending known sensor capabilities to alternative environmental scenarios represents a routine engineering adaptation with expected performance characteristics
Source Patent Element
Controller adjusting header based on sensor measurements
PTD Variation
Adjusting harvesting patterns based on debris detection in disaster-affected areas
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying control algorithms to incorporate additional sensor inputs is a standard problem-solving approach in precision agricultural systems
Source Patent Element
Vertical distance measurement from sensors to soil surface
PTD Variation
Incorporating atmospheric pressure data to adjust cutting height in high-altitude regions
Obviousness Reasoning
Compensating for environmental variables through sensor-based adjustments represents a predictable engineering solution with known techniques
Source Patent Element
Controller receiving and processing sensor data for header control
PTD Variation
Integrating weather station data to modify agricultural header speed and direction
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating external environmental data sources is a standard approach for optimizing agricultural machinery performance
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, based on the teachings of US Patent 11856891. The systematic extensions of sensor-based control methodologies represent predictable technological adaptations using known engineering techniques, thereby rendering potential derivative claims obvious and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,891
TitleSystems and methods for controlling an agricultural header
Assignee(s)CNH Industrial America LLC