GPS-Controlled Swath Rotor Positioning for Multi-Rotor Swather
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of multi-rotor swathers face mental overload and reduced work safety due to the need to manually control and monitor multiple gyroscopes during the swathing process, which can lead to errors in swath formation and damage to already deposited swaths.
Innovation Solution
A GPS-controlled system that networks GPS coordinates with the control of individual swath rotors to automatically raise or lower them based on their position and orientation, reducing the driver's mental workload and ensuring intact swath deposition by correlating GPS data to manage the rotary excavation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual control of multiple gyroscopes is used, then the driver can directly monitor and adjust each rotor position, but the driver experiences mental overload and reduced work safety
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically controlling the individual gyroscopes based on GPS position data. The control system autonomously determines which rotors need adjustment and commands them to appropriate positions without requiring continuous manual intervention from the driver, thereby reducing mental workload while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual control system with an electronic automated control system. GPS receivers provide position data that is processed by a control system which automatically sends commands to the rotor drives, substituting the driver's manual monitoring and adjustment actions with an electronic feedback control loop
2Manufacturing precision
If the driver manually monitors multiple gyroscopes simultaneously, then direct control is possible, but errors in swath formation and damage to deposited swaths occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously receiving GPS position data, comparing the current position with the planned course, and automatically adjusting rotor positions based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures precise swath formation by constantly monitoring position and making real-time corrections without requiring the driver to maintain constant concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning rotors based on the planned course and predicted work area. The system proactively adjusts rotor positions before the vehicle reaches critical points, preventing errors in swath formation and avoiding damage to already deposited swaths by anticipating positioning needs
3Ease of operation
If GPS-controlled automatic control is implemented, then driver mental workload is reduced and swath quality improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system achieves multi-functionality by integrating GPS reception, position calculation, course planning, and automatic rotor control into a single unified system. This universal control unit handles multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate systems, managing the complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate components
Data Source
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AI summary
The method for operating of a screen rotary excavation control for multiple rotary swaths with four circulating propelled swaths wheel linked at beam arms, involves providing a computer-aided Global Positioning System (GPS)controlled electronic system for swath formation to a screen rotary excavation control. The screen rotary excavation control is excavated by the networking of the GPS coordinates with a micro-processor. An independent claim is also included for a device for operating of a screen rotary excavation control for multiple rotary swaths with four circulating propelled swath wheel linked at beam arms.