Harvester Spreader Force Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Harvesters face challenges in evenly distributing Material Other Than Grain (MOG) across a field due to factors like wind, moisture, and field slope, leading to uneven distribution patterns.
Innovation Solution
A spreader system equipped with sensors to detect forces applied to panels or vanes on either side, adjusting its position relative to the chopper to ensure even distribution of MOG by comparing and balancing the forces applied to each side, thereby compensating for uneven MOG flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the spreader system distributes MOG without active control, then the system structure remains simple, but the MOG distribution becomes uneven across the field
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader system incorporates sensors that detect forces applied to panels or vanes on either side of the spreader. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor MOG distribution patterns and automatically adjust the spreader position relative to the chopper to maintain even distribution, resolving the contradiction between distribution uniformity and system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader system automatically adjusts its own position based on force detection from the MOG flow. The system uses the natural forces exerted by the MOG on the panels to detect distribution imbalances and self-corrects by repositioning, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while achieving uniform distribution
2Manufacturing precision
If the spreader system adjusts position based on force detection, then MOG distribution uniformity improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses panels or vanes as intermediary elements that the MOG flow naturally interacts with. These panels transmit force information from the MOG to the sensors, serving as a simple mechanical interface that converts MOG distribution patterns into detectable force signals without requiring complex sensing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex electronic sensing and control systems with a simpler mechanical approach. Force sensors detect physical forces exerted by MOG on panels, and the system uses direct mechanical force comparison rather than complex optical or electronic measurement systems to determine distribution uniformity
3Ease of operation
If the spreader system maintains a fixed position, then the system operation is simple, but wind, moisture, and field slope cause uneven MOG distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader system transitions from a fixed static position to a dynamic adjustable position. The system continuously or periodically adjusts its position relative to the chopper based on real-time force detection, allowing it to adapt to changing conditions such as wind, moisture, and field slope while maintaining uniform MOG distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A harvester (10) including, a spreader system (24) configured to distribute an agricultural material onto a field, wherein the spreader system (24) is configured to receive the agricultural material from a chopper (26), wherein the spreader system (24) comprises a first panel or vane (36, 84) positioned on a first lateral side (32) of the spreader system (24), and a second panel or vane (42, 86) positioned on a second lateral side (34) of the spreader system (24), opposite the first lateral side (32). The harvester (10) is characterized in that the spreader system (24) is configured to detect a first force applied to the first panel or vane (36, 84) and a second force applied to the second panel or vane (42, 86), and to adjust a position of the spreader system (24) with respect to the chopper (26) based on the first force, the second force, or a combination thereof.