Harvester Header Conveyor Speed Control via Dynamic Feed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvesting machines face challenges in maintaining optimal crop flow from the receiving conveyor to the discharge conveyor across various operating conditions, leading to potential blockages and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the speed of the receiving and discharge conveyors as functions of the draw-in rollers' speed and the harvesting machine's driving speed, using a characteristic curve with an offset value that adjusts based on the machine's speed to ensure a uniform and optimal crop flow, which is implemented through an electronic control unit for automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the discharge conveyor is driven at a fixed second speed regardless of operating conditions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the crop flow optimality deteriorates leading to blockages and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the discharge conveyor speed variable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the second speed based on detected driving speed and feed roller speed, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions and maintain optimal crop flow without blockages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect the actual driving speed and feed roller speed, then using this information to automatically adjust the discharge conveyor speed. This closed-loop control ensures the system responds to changing conditions and maintains reliable crop flow.
2Reliability
If the discharge conveyor speed is adjusted based on multiple parameters (driving speed and feed roller speed), then the crop flow optimality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs multiple functions: it detects driving speed, detects feed roller speed, calculates the optimal second speed based on both parameters, and controls the discharge conveyor motor. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single control unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter of the discharge conveyor based on detected operating conditions. By adjusting the second speed as a function of driving speed and feed roller speed, the system optimizes crop flow while managing complexity through parameter-based control rather than mechanical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is required to adjust conveyor speeds for different operating conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting operating conditions and adjusting conveyor speeds without operator intervention. The control device autonomously monitors driving speed and feed roller speed, then independently adjusts the discharge conveyor speed to maintain optimal crop flow, eliminating the need for manual speed adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical speed adjustment with an electronic control system. Instead of operators physically adjusting conveyor speeds, the system uses electronic sensors and motors to automatically control speeds based on detected conditions, improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for operating an agricultural harvesting machine (1), wherein the agricultural harvesting machine (1) comprises a header (2), the header (2) comprising a receiving conveyor (7) driven at a defined first rotational speed, the header (2) comprising a discharge conveyor (8) driven at a defined second rotational speed, and the harvesting machine (1) comprising a feed unit (4) with feed rollers (5, 6) driven at a defined third rotational speed. The second rotational speed at which the discharge conveyor (8) is driven is determined depending on the third rotational speed at which the feed rollers (5, 6) are driven, and further depending on the travel speed of the agricultural harvesting machine (1).