Material Transfer Chute Retraction Control via Swing Zone Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of material transfer machines in agricultural operations face challenges in determining when to initiate or end material transfer operations, due to difficulties in observing the material transfer subsystem or the on-board material tank, and in identifying interlock conditions such as objects in the swing path of the material transfer subsystem.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a material transfer machine equipped with a chute that is movable between a deployed position and a storage position, driven by an actuator, along with processors and memory that execute computer executable instructions to receive inputs, identify swing zones, and generate control signals to manage the chute's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the chute is made movable between deployed and storage positions, then the adaptability of the material transfer machine is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the actuator and control system
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is designed to be movable between deployed and storage positions through an actuator system, allowing the material transfer machine to adapt to different operational conditions and terrain requirements while maintaining controlled complexity through automated position management
2Ease of operation
If the chute movement is automated with control signals, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the control system
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically generates control signals for chute movement based on sensor inputs and operational conditions, enabling the system to self-regulate chute positioning without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while managing control system complexity through automation
3Reliability
If the swing zone is identified and monitored, then the reliability of safe operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the monitoring system
Solution Approach 1:
The system identifies and monitors the swing zone through sensors and control logic that provide feedback on chute position and surrounding obstacles, enabling automatic adjustment of chute movement to prevent collisions and ensure safe operation, thereby improving reliability while managing monitoring system complexity through integrated feedback mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A material transfer machine includes a material receptacle that holds material and a material transfer subsystem operable to transfer the material from the material receptacle to another location, the material transfer subsystem comprising a chute moveable between a deployed position and a storage position and an actuator that drives movement of the chute between the deployed position and the storage position. The material transfer machine further includes one or more processors, memory, and computer executable instructions, stored in the memory, that, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the one or more processors to: receive an input indicating that the chute should be moved from the deployed position to the storage position; identify a swing zone defining an area in which the chute will travel when moved from the deployed position to the storage position by the actuator; and generate a control signal based on the determination.