GPS Controlled Residue Spreader Width Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crop residue spreader systems lack dynamic and automatic adjustment capabilities, leading to inefficient distribution of nutrients, resulting in non-uniform soil conditions and nutrient loss, especially when transitioning between harvested and unharvested areas.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing GPS and electronic compass positioning sensors to control an electrically adjustable spreader, which adjusts residue distribution based on real-time positional data and stored field maps to limit residue spread to recently harvested areas, ensuring nutrients are retained in the productive parts of the field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If uniform residue distribution is applied across the entire header path, then residue is evenly distributed, but nutrients are moved away from the contributing areas to non-contributing areas
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader system applies different residue distribution characteristics to different lateral zones of the header path. By dividing the spread pattern into multiple lateral zones and assigning different residue amounts to each zone based on whether it contributes to current crop harvesting, the system achieves both uniform distribution within contributing areas and prevents nutrient loss to non-contributing areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the residue spread pattern in real-time based on the combine's position relative to harvested and unharvested areas. The controller modifies spreader operation parameters dynamically as the combine transitions between different field zones, ensuring residue is distributed uniformly where needed while preventing nutrient migration to areas that do not contribute to current harvest.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of spread width is used, then the spreader can be configured, but dynamic real-time adjustment is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from GPS positioning and field zone identification to automatically control the spreader. The controller receives real-time position data, determines whether the combine is over harvested or unharvested areas, and automatically adjusts spreader parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader system performs self-adjustment based on automatic detection of field zones and combine position. The controller autonomously modifies spread width and pattern without operator input, allowing the system to serve itself by adapting to changing field conditions in real-time.
3Area of stationary object
If residue is spread to previously harvested areas, then uniform field coverage is achieved, but nutrients are dispersed to areas that did not contribute residue
Solution Approach 1:
The header path is segmented into multiple lateral zones based on contribution status. The controller identifies which zones correspond to currently harvested areas and which correspond to previously harvested areas, then applies different spread strategies to each segment. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive field coverage while preventing nutrient dispersion to non-contributing zones.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~4
AI summary
A positioning sensor (410) (e.g., GPS) allows a controller (420) to determine the present location and orientation of the harvester (100) on a map and to record the presently and previously harvested portions of a field. The controller (420) uses the map and positional information to determine if the crop residue spray pattern from an adjustable spreader (120) returns substantially all the crop residue to the currently harvest portion and automatically adjusts the adjustable spreader (120) to achieve an ideal residue spray pattern.