Adjustable Deflector Control for Uniform Crop Residue Spreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The uneven distribution of crop residue across a field due to variations in crop residue flow from an axially arranged threshing system to a crop residue spreading system, leading to uneven field coverage and potential plugging issues with tillage and planting equipment.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts the positioning of an adjustable deflector plate using hydraulic motors, valves, and an actuator to balance the side-to-side flow of crop residue, ensuring equal distribution by comparing the speed of hydraulic motors driving spreader head assemblies and adjusting the deflector plate accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an axially arranged threshing system is used to process crops, then grain separation efficiency is improved, but uneven crop residue flow distribution occurs across the width of the discharge opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable deflectors that can be dynamically repositioned during operation to alter the flow path of crop residue. These deflectors are movable and can be adjusted to different positions to compensate for uneven flow distribution, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can adapt to flow variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies deflectors at specific locations within the discharge passage to address local flow imbalances. By positioning deflectors where needed and adjusting them independently, the system creates localized flow modifications to achieve more uniform overall distribution
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual adjustment of deflectors is used to balance crop residue flow, then distribution uniformity is improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position and performance of spreader assemblies, providing feedback signals to a control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically determine when flow imbalance occurs and triggers automated deflector adjustment without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically monitors crop residue flow distribution and adjusts the deflectors itself without human assistance. The system serves itself by detecting imbalances and autonomously repositioning deflectors to correct the distribution, eliminating the need for manual operation
3Measurement precision
If automated control systems with multiple sensors are implemented to monitor crop residue flow, then distribution precision is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing hydraulic motors that drive the spreader assemblies for dual purposes: their primary function of powering the spreaders and a secondary function as speed sensors. By monitoring the speed of these hydraulic motors, the system derives flow distribution information without requiring separate sensing mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity
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
The system ensures a more uniform distribution of crop residue across the field by automatically adjusting the deflector plate to redirect crop residue flow, maintaining balanced distribution even with varying crop residue amounts and types, thereby improving field coverage and reducing equipment issues.
Implementation Method 1
a first motor powered by a hydraulic pump to drive a first spreader of the plurality of spreaders; a first valve associated with a fluid passage extending between the first motor and the hydraulic pump for controlling the flow of fluid to the first motor
Implementation Method 2
an actuator operatively connectable to the deflector plate and operable to effect the extension of the deflector plate into the flow of crop residue
Data Source
AI summary
A control system and method for controlling the positioning of an adjustable deflector plate employed in a harvesting combine to adjust a side-to-side flow of crop residue to spreaders associated with the combine and the distribution thereby. The deflector plate is operably extendable into the flow of crop residue to redirect crop residue impinging the deflector plate. The deflector plate is adjusted based upon a comparison between the open/closed states of valves associated with the control system.