Mower Conveyor Control via Location Signals
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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 desired swath configurations across varying field shapes and sizes, as existing systems lack automated control for optimal swath formation.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that receives signals for the location, displacement, and direction of conveyor units, comparing them against predetermined values to automatically adjust operations, reducing the operator's need for continuous monitoring and allowing for predefined swath patterns to be set and maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operator manually monitors and adjusts conveyor units to produce desired swath configurations, then the swath pattern can be adapted to different field shapes and sizes, but the operator experiences stress and fatigue due to constant adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically adjusts conveyor unit operations by receiving location signals, comparing them against predetermined values, and autonomously controlling conveyor displacement and direction without requiring continuous manual intervention from the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The system receives signals representing the location of the mower combination and uses this feedback to automatically adjust conveyor unit operations, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to different field conditions without manual input
2Ease of operation
If automated control is implemented to reduce operator workload, then operator stress and fatigue are reduced, but the system complexity increases with control units and signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions including receiving location signals, comparing data against predetermined values, determining required adjustments, and controlling conveyor unit operations, consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional device rather than requiring separate systems for each task
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of conveyor units is used to maintain precise swath patterns, then swath formation precision can be achieved, but continuous manual intervention is required throughout operation
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor units are automatically controlled by the control unit which autonomously adjusts their displacement and direction based on location signals and predetermined values, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention while maintaining precise swath formation
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses signal processing and electronic control to adjust conveyor unit operations, transitioning from manual mechanical control to automated electronic control for maintaining swath precision
Data Source
AI summary
A mower combination having an agricultural vehicle and a number of mowing units suitable for cutting a standing crop connected to the agricultural vehicle, 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 being provided with conveyor units to deposit cut crop as a swath. A control unit receives a plurality of signals, representing the location of the mower combination, a displacement of each of the conveyor units and/or a direction of operation of each of the conveyor units. The control unit receives the plurality of signals and compares them against a predetermined set of values and as required adjusts the displacement or direction of operation of at least one conveyor unit based on this comparison.