GPS Guided Spreader with Dynamic Material Distribution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing groundspreaders lack the ability to automatically adjust material distribution in response to the spreader's position and path, leading to sub-optimal pasture growth due to uneven application and potential overapplication, and do not account for deviations from the ideal path.
Innovation Solution
A spreader apparatus equipped with a GPS receiver that controls the rate and speed of material transport to spinners on both sides, ensuring even distribution by comparing the actual position to a preferred path and adjusting the pattern and density of material application, minimizing crossover and allowing for variable conveyor speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS guidance systems are used to provide visual indication of the correct path, then the consistency of application is improved, but the system still does not provide optimum distribution of material and depends heavily on the driver following the accurate path
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader automatically adjusts its spreading pattern and material distribution based on GPS position data without requiring the driver to manually correct for deviations. The system serves itself by autonomously compensating for path deviations, eliminating the need for skilled manual operation while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the spreader's actual position via GPS and feeds this information back to the control mechanism, which automatically adjusts the spreading pattern to compensate for deviations from the ideal path. This closed-loop feedback ensures optimal material distribution regardless of driving accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If the spreader follows the ideal path accurately, then even distribution is achieved, but any deviation from the path results in overapplication or underapplication of material
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader dynamically adjusts its spreading pattern in real-time based on actual position data. The system transitions from a static, fixed spreading pattern to a dynamic, adaptive pattern that automatically compensates for path deviations, maintaining uniform material distribution even when the vehicle deviates from the ideal path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spreading parameters (such as spread width, distribution pattern, or material flow rate) based on the detected position and deviation from the ideal path. By dynamically modifying these parameters, the system maintains optimal material distribution uniformity regardless of path following accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed spreading pattern is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot compensate for path deviations or provide precise application according to predetermined patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic spreading pattern that automatically adjusts based on real-time position data from GPS. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation while significantly improving application precision, as the pattern adapts automatically without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses GPS position feedback to continuously adjust the spreading pattern, enabling precise material application while maintaining operational simplicity. The automatic feedback mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual adjustments, preserving ease of operation while achieving high precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A spreader (100) has material storage means (1) for storing a spreadable material (2), a plurality of spinners (5, 6) adapted to receive the material from the storage means and to spread the material (2) on the ground, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver (8) for sensing the position of the spreader (100) and providing an output signal indicative of a position of the spreader to a control means (7). The control means (7) calculates a required pattern and density of material (2) to be spread by the spinners (5, 6) based on a comparison of the actual position of the spreader (A) to a preferred position of the spreader (I), and controls the spinners (5, 6) in order to obtain the required pattern and density of spread material (2). A method of controlling the pattern and density of material spread by a spreader is also disclosed.