Crop Pick-Up Reel Ejection Mechanism for Foreign Object Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural implements require the driver to manually remove foreign objects detected during crop pickup, disrupting the harvesting process and risking damage to equipment and safety.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a crop pick-up system with ejection means that actively rotate the reel in an ejection direction after a predetermined time interval, allowing foreign objects to be ejected back onto the field without interrupting the harvesting process, and incorporating hydraulic drive means to minimize damage to the reel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver manually removes foreign objects from the crop pick-up, then foreign objects are removed from the crop flow, but the harvesting process is interrupted and the driver must exit the cab
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting foreign objects and executing the ejection sequence without driver intervention. The control unit autonomously coordinates the auger reversal, reel rotation, and windguard opening/closing actions, allowing the machine to remove foreign objects itself while the driver remains in the cab.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting foreign objects before they cause damage to the forage harvester. The detector continuously monitors the crop flow, and upon detection, the system initiates the ejection sequence immediately, preventing the foreign object from reaching the cutter drum or blower.
2Ease of operation
If the reel is actively rotated in ejection direction to clear retrieved crop, then foreign objects are ejected from the crop pick-up, but the reel fingers may contact ground or blocked crop causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the reel rotation dynamic and adaptive rather than fixed. The reel rotates in the ejection direction only for a limited number of revolutions or until resistance is detected, allowing the system to adapt to field conditions and prevent damage from excessive rotation or contact with ground/blocked crop.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by implementing a controlled ejection sequence where the reel rotates for a predetermined limited duration or number of revolutions. This periodic, limited rotation is sufficient to eject the foreign object without continuous rotation that would cause damage, creating a safe cyclic operation.
3Loss of time
If short reverse rotation of auger and reel is used to clear crop, then the clearing action is quick, but it may not be sufficient to fully clear the crop from the auger
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the ejection process into distinct sequential phases: first the auger rotates in reverse to push crop back toward the reel, then the reel rotates in ejection direction to eject the foreign object. This segmented approach ensures each component performs its specific function thoroughly, achieving complete clearing while maintaining efficiency.
4Reliability
If continuous reverse rotation of the pick-up is used to clear crop, then the crop is cleared from both auger and pick-up reel, but the tines and reel rods are bent or broken due to ground contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by implementing a limited ejection sequence where the reel rotates only for a predetermined number of revolutions or until resistance is detected, rather than continuous rotation. This partial rotation is sufficient to eject the foreign object without excessive action that would cause the reel to contact ground or blocked crop and sustain damage.
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
Enables continuous harvesting without the need for the driver to exit the cab, reducing downtime and protecting the reel from damage by ensuring only one or limited revolutions are made during ejection.
Implementation Method 1
The current generation of New Holland forage harvesters is optionally equipped with the advanced MetaLocTM metal detection system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A pick-up (10), an agricultural implement (20), and a method for ejecting a foreign object (55) by the crop pick-up (10) and the agricultural implement (20) are provided. The agricultural implement (20) comprises a crop inlet (21) to collect picked-up crop (50). The crop pick-up (10) comprises a reel (11) with pick-up fingers to pick up the crop (50) from the field, an auger (12) to transport the picked-up crop (50) to the crop inlet (21) of the agricultural implement (20), and drive means. The drive means rotate the reel (11) and the auger (12) in a pick-up direction and a collection direction for picking up and transporting the crop (50), and a retrieval direction for retrieving already collected crop (50) when a foreign object (55) is detected in the collected crop (50), The crop pick-up (10) further comprises ejection means to actively rotate the reel (11) in an ejection direction for ejecting the retrieved crop (50).