Conditioner Unit Deflector Adjustment for Crop Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conditioner units for crop material cannot adjust the position of the deflector element during operation, leading to uneven conditioning and sub-optimal fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A conditioner unit with an adjusting mechanism that includes an actuator and sensor system to dynamically adjust the position of the deflector element based on operational conditions, such as force and flow rate, to maintain a desired level of conditioning and optimize energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the position of the deflector element is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the conditioning uniformity and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the deflector element position adjustable during operation. The deflector element can be moved between multiple discrete positions (e.g., first, second, third positions) to dynamically adapt the conditioning passage geometry to varying operational conditions such as crop type, moisture content, and flow rate, thereby achieving uniform conditioning without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the position of the deflector element to alter key parameters of the conditioning passage including its cross-sectional area, length, and curvature. These parameter changes allow optimization of material flow characteristics and conditioning intensity under different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between conditioning quality and structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If the deflector element position is adjusted during operation, then the conditioning quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of the conditioning passage during operation, allowing the system to adapt to varying productivity requirements. The deflector element can be repositioned based on real-time conditions such as crop flow rate and moisture content, optimizing energy efficiency without requiring complete system dismantling or complex multi-axis adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting mechanism is segmented into discrete adjustment positions (first, second, third positions) rather than continuous adjustment. This segmentation simplifies the mechanism by providing predefined optimal configurations for different operating conditions, reducing the complexity of control systems while maintaining high energy efficiency across varying productivity demands.
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of the deflector plate is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operating time and fuel efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect operational conditions (crop type, moisture content, flow rate) and trigger appropriate adjustments of the deflector element position. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention and extensive setup time, allowing the conditioner to adapt to different crops and conditions autonomously during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting mechanism incorporates feedback from sensors that monitor operational parameters such as material flow rate, moisture content, and power consumption. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of the deflector element to optimal positions, reducing setup time and improving ease of operation while minimizing fuel efficiency losses associated with manual adjustment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A conditioner unit (6) for conditioning crop material comprises a rotor (17) having a shaft (18) that carries a plurality of conditioning elements, a drive mechanism for driving rotation of the rotor (17) about an axis, and a deflector element having a working surface (26) that surrounds at least part of the circumference of the rotor (17) to define a conditioning passage through which crop material is transported by rotation of the rotor (17). An adjusting mechanism (30) is provided for adjusting the position of the deflector element relative to the rotor (17), the adjusting mechanism (30) including an actuator (50), a sensor for sensing an operational condition of the conditioning unit (6) and a control system (56) that receives a sensor signal from the sensor and controls actuation of the actuator (50) in response to said sensor signal to provide a desired level of conditioning during operation of the conditioner unit (6).