Cutter Implement Windrow Width Control via Single Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutter implements require separate controls to adjust the side shields and swath flap, making it time-consuming and complex to achieve a desired windrow width during agricultural operations.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allow for the control of windrow width using a single user input, where the side shields and swath flap are movable within defined ranges and can be displaced to specific target positions in response to a single control input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate controls are used to adjust side shields and swath flap, then precise control of each component is achieved, but the complexity of operation increases and adjustment time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions into a single control mechanism. The single control input simultaneously adjusts both the side shields and swath flap to achieve the desired windrow width, eliminating the need for separate controls and reducing operational complexity while maintaining precise control through coordinated movement of all components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate controls are used to adjust side shields and swath flap, then individual component adjustment is possible, but the time required for adjustment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment flexibilityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes the coordinated positions of side shields and swath flap based on the desired windrow width. When a single control input is received, the system simultaneously moves all components to their predetermined target positions, eliminating sequential adjustment time while maintaining the flexibility to achieve various windrow widths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the control of side shields and swath flap into a single control mechanism, the system adjusts all components simultaneously rather than sequentially, dramatically reducing the time required for windrow width adjustment while maintaining adaptability through the single control input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple controls are used for side shields and swath flap, then detailed control is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control functions into a single control input that simultaneously manages both side shields and swath flap. This reduces the number of control mechanisms from multiple separate controls to one unified control system, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining precise control through coordinated adjustment of all components based on the single input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12201064B2Systems and methods for controlling windrow size

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 DEERE & CO

AI summary

Systems and methods for controlling formation of a windrow in response to a single control input. The single control input represents a desired windrow width. The single control input is used to determine positions of components of a cutter implement, such as side shields and a swath flap, that are used to form a windrow having the desired windrow width represented or that is otherwise associated with the single control input.