Forage Harvester Chopping Drum Auto-Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled forage harvesters face challenges in achieving optimal compactability of chopped crops in silos, which depends on the expertise of the operator in setting cutting length and other parameters, leading to variability in storage density and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled forage harvester equipped with a driver assistance system that continuously determines crop compaction and adjusts the cutting length autonomously using characteristic curve fields, allowing for adaptive control of the chopping device and intake device to maintain constant compactability, even with changing crop parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the operator manually sets the cutting length based on expertise, then the compaction quality can be optimized, but the operator effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement of crop parameters (dry matter content, cutting length) using onboard sensors and self-adjusts the cutting mechanism automatically. The control unit processes sensor data and autonomously modifies operating parameters without operator intervention, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for manual expertise-based adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously measures crop parameters using sensors and feeds this information back to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the cutting length and other parameters to maintain optimal compaction. This closed-loop feedback system replaces manual operator judgment with automated real-time adjustments.
2Quantity of substance
If the cutting length is adjusted to optimize compaction, then the storage density improves, but the area output may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the cutting length based on real-time crop conditions (dry matter content, crop type, moisture levels) rather than using fixed settings. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize compaction for varying crop parameters while maintaining high area output by avoiding unnecessarily short cut lengths when conditions permit longer cuts.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically modifies operating parameters (cutting length, feed rate, chopping speed) based on sensor measurements of crop properties. By changing these parameters adaptively rather than manually, the system achieves optimal storage density without sacrificing productivity, as adjustments are made continuously throughout the harvesting process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of operating parameters is used, then flexibility in adapting to crop conditions is achieved, but variability in results increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated electronic control. Sensors measure crop parameters electronically, the control unit processes this data computationally, and actuators automatically adjust the cutting mechanism. This substitution of manual operation with automated systems ensures consistent, repeatable adjustments based on objective measurements rather than subjective operator judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously monitors crop conditions and self-adjusts operating parameters without human intervention. This self-service capability ensures that the same objective criteria are applied consistently throughout the harvesting process, eliminating variability introduced by different operators or even the same operator at different times.
4Ease of operation
If automated control systems are implemented, then operator effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes sensor data, determines optimal cutting parameters, controls the cutting mechanism, and monitors system operation. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves automation with minimal added complexity rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the measurement, control, and adjustment functions into an integrated automated system. Sensors, control unit, and actuators are combined into a cohesive system that automatically regulates cutting parameters, reducing operator effort while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent systems working in parallel.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-propelled forage harvester (1) with a feed device (3), a chopping device (6) comprising a chopping drum (7) equipped with chopping knives (8) and a counter blade (9) for chopping crop material, a drive system (16) and a driver assistance system (20) for controlling at least the chopping device (6), wherein the driver assistance system (20) comprises a memory (24) for storing data and a computing device (23) for processing the data stored in the memory (24), wherein the chopping device (6) together with the driver assistance system (20) forms an automatic chopping machine, in that the computing device (23) is configured to continuously determine a compaction of the chopped crop material based on crop parameters during a harvesting process in order to autonomously determine and specify a cutting length to be adapted in order to maintain an almost constant compactibility.