Auger Overload Control via Electronic Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lawn care vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing yard waste collection and conveying, particularly in preventing waste from escaping and ensuring easy operation and maintenance, with existing systems lacking effective overload protection and automated dumping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a telescopic seal for the conveyor to prevent waste escape, an automated dump assembly for easy yard waste disposal, and an electronic clutch system to manage auger load and prevent damage, along with a detachable conveyor joint for easy maintenance and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveyor system is used to convey yard waste, then productivity is improved, but waste may escape from the conveyor causing harmful factors
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible telescopic seal is positioned at the discharge end of the conveyor to prevent waste escape. The seal flexes and extends to maintain contact with the conveyor surface, creating an effective barrier that contains yard waste within the collector while allowing the conveyor to operate efficiently.
2Ease of operation
If manual dumping of yard waste is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated dump assembly enables the yard waste collector to empty itself without manual intervention. When activated, the assembly automatically opens the discharge end and uses the conveyor mechanism to expel accumulated waste, significantly improving operational convenience despite adding some system complexity.
3Productivity
If the conveyor operates continuously without engagement/disengagement, then productivity is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed with detachable sections and modular components that can be easily separated from the main collector assembly. This segmentation allows individual components to be accessed, removed, and serviced independently while maintaining continuous operational capability of the overall system.
4Reliability
If no overload protection is provided for the auger, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic clutch control system incorporates sensors and control circuitry that continuously monitor auger operating conditions. When overload conditions are detected, the system automatically adjusts clutch engagement to protect the auger, creating a feedback loop that enhances reliability without requiring complex mechanical protection mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
An auger control system including an auger (100) configured to convey material from a receiving end of the auger to a discharge end of the auger, a motor (11) configured to produce a rotational force, and an electronic clutch (70) disposed between the auger (100) and the motor (11). The electronic clutch (70) is configured to be selectively engaged to provide the rotational force from the motor (11) to the auger (100). The auger control system may also include a clutch control circuit including processing circuitry (50) configured to engage and disengage the electronic clutch (70).