Feed Mixer Wagon Gearbox Control for Mixing Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed mixer wagons face challenges in achieving homogeneous mixing of feed components with varying fiber lengths due to manual speed adjustments of the mixing tool, leading to suboptimal mixing results.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the transmission of a feed mixer wagon using a control unit that determines the current feed component and adjusts the gearbox output speed based on pre-defined recipes, ensuring optimal mixing by selecting the appropriate target speed for each component, which can be constant or variable, and is communicated through various interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual speed adjustment of the mixing tool is used, then the user can control the mixing speed, but the mixing quality is suboptimal and the user workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically determines the current feed component and selects the appropriate target speed without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously adjusting the mixing speed based on pre-stored data about different feed components, eliminating the need for manual speed adjustment while ensuring optimal mixing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the current feed component (through sensor signals or manual input) and adjusts the mixing speed accordingly based on pre-stored target speed data. This feedback mechanism ensures that the mixing speed is always optimized for the current feed component being processed.
2Device complexity
If the mixing tool operates at a single fixed speed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mixing quality varies for different feed components
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing tool speed is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the mixing speed in real-time based on the current feed component, allowing the system to adapt to different fiber lengths and feed types. This dynamic adjustment improves mixing homogeneity without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the mixing tool itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (mixing speed) based on the feed component being processed. Pre-stored target speed data for different feed components is retrieved and applied automatically, allowing optimal mixing performance across various feed types without increasing device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If automatic speed adjustment based on feed component is implemented, then mixing quality is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical speed adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system. Instead of using mechanical linkages or manual controls, the control unit uses electronic sensors, data storage, and automated control to adjust the mixing speed, simplifying the overall system while improving mixing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Target speed data for different feed components is pre-stored in the control unit before operation. When a feed component is loaded, the system retrieves the appropriate pre-stored target speed data and applies it automatically, eliminating the need for real-time calculations or complex decision-making during the mixing process.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method for controlling a gearbox (28) of a feed mixer wagon (12) is shown. The feed mixer wagon (12) has the gearbox (28), a feed hopper (24), at least one mixing tool (26) arranged in the feed hopper (24), and a control unit (30). The method comprises the following steps: - Determining the feed component currently loaded into the feed hopper (24) by the control unit (30) or detecting a discharge operation currently in progress, - Selecting the target speed of the gearbox (28) based on the components loaded into the feed hopper (24) or based on the discharge operation being carried out by the control unit (30), and - Controlling the gear ratio of the gearbox (28) so that the output speed corresponds to the selected target speed. A feed mixer wagon (12) and a system (10) are also shown.