Agricultural Cutting Device Torque Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing cutting devices for agricultural materials face reliability issues due to material residues depositing near the cutting device, preventing the cutting element from transitioning between rest and cutting positions, especially when compacted material blocks the movement.

Innovation Solution

A cutting device with a second adjusting device applying a greater torque than the first, allowing the cutting element to pivot out of the rest position even with material deposits, and an overload safety device to prevent damage from unusual blockages, along with a design that includes a conveying and cutting rotor and slot-shaped recesses in the conveying channel wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a first torque is applied to the cutting element to return it to the cutting position, then the cutting element can be reliably returned after dodging foreign bodies, but compacted material residues prevent the cutting element from being released from the rest position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of cutting element position controlVSAvoidease of transferring cutting element between positions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a dynamic two-stage torque control system where the torque magnitude changes based on the operational state. In the first stage, a lower first torque is applied during normal operation to allow reliable returning after foreign body avoidance. In the second stage, a higher second torque is applied when material residues block the rest position, enabling the cutting element to overcome the blockage and transition to the cutting position. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliable position control and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the torque parameter from a fixed value to a variable value with two distinct levels. The first torque level is sufficient for normal position control and foreign body avoidance, while the second torque level is specifically activated when material blockage is detected. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and ensuring ease of operation throughout the full range of conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the cutting element is held firmly in the cutting position, then stable cutting operation is achieved, but the cutting element cannot pivot back when foreign objects are encountered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of cutting positionVSAvoidability to respond to foreign objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The restoring element (spring) provides a dynamic torque that automatically adjusts based on the cutting element's position and the forces acting upon it. During normal operation, the spring maintains stable holding force in the cutting position. When foreign objects are encountered, the spring's elastic properties allow it to dynamically adjust the torque, enabling the cutting element to pivot back to the rest position while still providing stable holding during normal operation. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances the reliability of the cutting device by ensuring the cutting element can pivot out of the rest position despite material deposits, maintaining efficient operation and preventing damage from foreign objects or blockages.

Implementation Method 1

The first actuator (I) has a restoring element (10) which has a spring characteristic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The first adjusting device (I) is designed to apply a first torque to the cutting element (6) in the rest position (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Implementation Method 3

The second adjusting device (II) is designed to apply a second torque to the cutting element (6) in such a way that the second torque is greater than the first torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3732953B1Cutting device
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 MASCHINENFABRIK BERNARD KRONE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3732953B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3732953B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3732953B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Cutting device (2) for conveying and cutting, in particular, agricultural material, comprising a conveying channel (4) and at least one pivotably mounted cutting element (6), which can be moved from a rest position to a cutting position by a movement in a first pivoting direction (8), in which the cutting element (6) is positioned at least partially within the conveying channel (4) for cutting the material, and comprising a first adjusting device (I) having a return element (10) and designed to apply a first torque to the cutting element (6) in the rest position for returning the cutting element (6) to the cutting position and for holding the cutting element (6) in the cutting position, and comprising a second adjusting device (II) for pivoting the cutting element (6) from the rest position in the first pivoting direction (8),wherein the second adjusting device (II) is configured to apply a second torque to the cutting element (6) such that the second torque is greater than the first torque applied by the first adjusting device (I) in the rest position.