Mower Conveyor Control via GPS Location Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of mower combinations face stress and fatigue due to the need to constantly monitor and adjust conveyor units to produce multiple swath configurations in varying field shapes and sizes, as existing systems lack automated control for optimal swath formation.
Innovation Solution
A mower combination with a user terminal and control unit that receives signals representing the location and operation of conveyor units, comparing these against predetermined values to automatically adjust the conveyor units' direction, reducing the operator's workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operator manually monitors and adjusts the conveyor units to change swath configurations, then the swath pattern can be adapted to different field shapes and sizes and different crop processing requirements, but the operator experiences stress and fatigue due to constant adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically adjusts the conveyor units based on GPS location data and pre-stored swath pattern information, enabling the system to regulate itself without continuous operator intervention. The controller receives signals representing the mower combination's location and automatically controls the conveyor units to maintain the desired swath configuration throughout the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses GPS receivers to continuously monitor the mower combination's location and feeds this information back to the controller, which then automatically adjusts the conveyor units accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the swath pattern remains consistent without requiring manual monitoring and adjustment by the operator.
2Manufacturing precision
If the operator constantly adjusts the conveyor units throughout multiple fields, then the desired swath configurations can be achieved, but the operation becomes stressful and tiring
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system performs the swath pattern maintenance function itself by continuously comparing the actual mower location with the stored swath pattern data and automatically adjusting the conveyor units to correct any deviations, eliminating the need for operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated electronic control system that uses GPS receivers, a controller, and electronic signals to regulate conveyor unit operation, substituting mechanical operator actions with automated electronic control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual control of conveyor units is used to accommodate varying field shapes and sizes, then different swath configurations can be produced, but the complexity of constant monitoring increases operator stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex manual control process with an automated electronic system that uses GPS receivers to track location and a controller to automatically adjust conveyor units, reducing the operational complexity experienced by the operator while maintaining adaptability to varying field conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural vehicle and connected mower having a number of mowing units suitable for cutting a standing crop, including a front mowing unit and two lateral mowing units located behind and to the sides of the front mowing unit, each of the lateral mowing units having conveyor units to deposit cut crop as a swath. A control unit receives a plurality of signals, representing the location of the mower combination and a direction of operation of each of the conveyor units, compares the signals to a predetermined set of values and as required, adjusts the direction of operation of at least one conveyor unit based on the comparison.