Agricultural Spreader Control Device for Automatic Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural spreading machines require manual adjustment of target application rates when switching between belt and portion deposition modes, leading to unsuitable material application and inefficiencies, especially with poor material quality.

Innovation Solution

A control device stores separate setting specifications for belt and portion deposition operations, allowing automatic switching and optimal application rates without operator intervention, using a material conveying device like a fan to adjust airflow based on predefined specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of target application rate is required when switching between belt and portion deposition modes, then the machine can adapt to different material qualities and application requirements, but the operating complexity increases and operator intervention is needed frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different deposition modesVSAvoidoperating simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device stores both a belt deposit setting specification and a portion deposit setting specification in advance. When switching between deposition modes, the control device automatically selects and applies the appropriate pre-stored setting specification, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs automatic switching between different target application rates based on the current deposition mode. The system serves itself by automatically selecting the appropriate settings without requiring operator intervention, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the same target application rate is used for both belt and portion deposition modes, then operator input is minimized, but unsuitable material application occurs when switching between modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduced operator inputVSAvoidapplication rate accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different target application rate settings are stored for different deposition modes. The control device applies the appropriate local setting (belt deposit setting or portion deposit setting) based on the current mode, ensuring optimal application precision for each specific operation type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The target application rate is made dynamic rather than static. The control device automatically adjusts the target application rate based on the deposition mode being used, allowing the system to adapt its parameters dynamically to maintain precision without requiring manual operator input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent switching between belt and portion deposition modes is required, then the machine can handle varying material qualities effectively, but the frequency of manual adjustments increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to material quality variationsVSAvoidspreading efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Both belt deposit and portion deposit setting specifications are stored in advance in the control device. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid automatic switching between modes without requiring manual adjustments during frequent mode changes, thereby maintaining productivity while responding to material quality variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device automatically manages the switching between different deposition modes and their corresponding target application rates. This self-service capability allows the system to handle frequent mode changes efficiently without operator intervention, maintaining both adaptability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 method simplifies the application process by ensuring accurate and efficient material distribution between belt and portion deposition modes, reducing material waste and operator input, while maintaining suitable application rates for crop growth and nutrient supply.

Implementation Method 1

The material conveying device can, for example, comprise a fan, by means of which a conveying air flow is generated for conveying the application material within the machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow:

Data Source

PatentEP4427564A1Method for adjusting the material dispensing of an agricultural application machine and application machine

Publication Date: 2024.09.11 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for adjusting the material application rate of an agricultural spreading machine by means of a control device (12), wherein the agricultural spreading machine can apply material to the agricultural land (16) in a belt application mode in the form of a belt of material (38) and in a portion application mode in the form of portions of material (40), wherein the control device (12) stores a belt application setting (30) for material application in belt application mode, which relates to a target application rate per unit area.