Predictive Mower Slope Sensing for Uniform Blade Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Grass mowing machines experience uneven cutting and length of cut on hilly terrain due to sudden changes in traction load when encountering slopes, leading to jerking movements and inconsistent blade rotational speed.
Innovation Solution
A mower slope sensing system that uses an electronic controller with GPS and elevation data storage to predict upcoming slopes and adjust blade and traction drive speeds proactively, ensuring a smooth transition and uniform cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the hydrostatic transmission attempts to maintain vehicle speed on hilly terrain by reducing engine load, then vehicle speed is maintained, but the grass cutting becomes uneven and the machine jerks forward or back
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses GPS and pre-stored elevation data to predict upcoming slopes before the mower encounters them. The controller proactively adjusts blade rotational speed and hydrostatic transmission output in advance of the slope change, preventing jerking movements and maintaining uniform grass cutting throughout the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the mower's location via GPS and compares it against stored elevation data to detect upcoming terrain changes. This feedback loop enables the controller to anticipate slope changes and adjust cutting parameters accordingly, maintaining both speed stability and cutting uniformity.
2Reliability
If the controller reduces engine load to prevent engine stalling under increased PTO load, then engine stalling is prevented, but blade rotational speed changes causing uneven grass cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The system predicts upcoming slopes using GPS and elevation data before the mower encounters them. When a slope is anticipated, the controller proactively adjusts blade rotational speed and engine load in advance, preventing both engine stalling and uneven cutting by maintaining optimal operating parameters throughout the terrain transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous monitoring of location versus stored elevation data provides real-time feedback about upcoming terrain changes. This enables the controller to dynamically adjust engine load and blade speed to maintain consistent cutting performance while preventing engine stalling under varying PTO load conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A mower slope sensing system on a grass mowing machine. An elevation sensor may capture terrain elevation values for each of a plurality of different locations according to a latitude and a longitude of each of the locations on a field. An electronic controller may store the terrain elevation values, latitudes and longitudes, and adjust a mowing blade speed depending on changes in the terrain elevation values from a current location to a next expected location.