GPS-Controlled Swath Door for Riparian Buffer Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combine harvesters rely on operator intervention to switch between spreading and windrowing modes, leading to increased harvesting time and potential human error in mode selection, which can result in inconsistent residue distribution and reduced effectiveness in erosion prevention.
Innovation Solution
A combine equipped with a chassis, crop residue handling system, and a controller that determines its location on a geographic information system map to automatically switch between spreading and windrowing modes by adjusting the swath selection door and spreader chute positions, allowing for precise operation based on designated zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operator manually switches between spreading and windrowing modes, then mode selection can be made based on judgment, but harvesting time increases and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The combine performs the mode switching operation itself based on GPS location data and pre-programmed residue management zones, eliminating the need for continuous operator intervention. The system automatically detects when the combine enters or exits designated zones and switches between spreading and windrowing modes accordingly, allowing the machine to serve itself in the control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control system for mode switching is replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses GPS receivers, controllers, and electronic actuators. The controller receives location data from the GPS receiver and automatically actuates the residue handling system components, substituting electronic automation for manual mechanical operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If operator manually controls mode switching, then flexibility in decision-making is maintained, but consistency and precision in residue distribution decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The residue management zones are pre-programmed into the controller before harvesting operations begin. The GPS coordinates and boundaries of spreading and windrowing zones are established in advance, allowing the system to automatically execute the correct mode when the combine enters each zone, ensuring consistent and precise residue distribution without requiring real-time operator decisions.
3Productivity
If automated location-based control is implemented, then harvesting efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages the residue handling system mode switching, receives and processes GPS location data, compares current location with pre-programmed zones, and actuates the appropriate residue management mode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while achieving automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
A combine including a chassis, a crop residue handling system including a residue chopper, residue spreader, a spreader chute and a swath selection door, a receiver configured to determine a location of the combine, and a controller that controls the residue handling system. The controller configured to determine the location of the combine on a map, execute a crop residue spreading mode in response to the controller determining that the location of the combine is located in a designated crop residue spreading zone indicated on the map, and execute a crop residue windrow mode in response to the controller determining that the location of the combine is located in a designated crop residue windrow zone indicated on the map.