Mulching Device Actuator Ground Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mulching devices in harvesting machines have limited control over ground pressure, which cannot be effectively adapted to varying soil and crop conditions, leading to unnecessary processing of headlands and potential damage during reverse operations.
Innovation Solution
A mulching device with a position-adjustable holder and a power-operated actuator connected to a controller, allowing for real-time adaptation of ground pressure and automatic lifting during headland passage or reverse operations, preventing the mulcher from getting caught in the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mulching device is supported on the ground by skids with fixed weight, then the device structure is simple, but the ground pressure cannot be adapted to varying soil and crop conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed-weight support system with an active control system that dynamically adjusts the ground pressure of the mulching device. The holder is positioned in a position-adjustable manner, and monitoring means detect position and ground pressure in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to varying soil and crop conditions rather than relying on static gravitational force alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the purely mechanical gravity-based pressure system with a monitored and controllable system. By introducing monitoring means that detect position and ground pressure, the system transitions from passive mechanical support to an active system that can sense and respond to operating conditions, enabling adaptive ground pressure control.
2Ease of operation
If the mulching device is pivotably suspended with downward movement limited by a chain, then the device can follow ground contours, but the device remains in contact with the ground during headland passage causing unnecessary processing and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a passive mechanical stop (chain) to an active control system. The monitoring means detect the holder's position and ground pressure in real-time, and the controller can actively raise the mulching device during headland passage or reverse operations, preventing unnecessary ground contact and potential damage while maintaining the ability to follow ground contours during normal harvesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using monitoring means to detect the holder's position and ground pressure, then feeding this information to a controller. The controller uses this feedback to make real-time adjustments, raising the mulching device when appropriate (during headland passage or reverse operations) to prevent harmful ground contact, while allowing it to follow ground contours during normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holder is raised by a hydraulic cylinder, then the device can be lifted during headland passage, but the ground pressure cannot be precisely controlled during harvesting operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using monitoring means to detect both the holder's position and the ground pressure in real-time during harvesting operations. This feedback is fed to the controller, which precisely controls the actuator to maintain the desired ground pressure, enabling both lifting capability during headland passage and precise pressure control during harvesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the simple hydraulic lift system with a monitored and controlled actuator system. The actuator is controlled based on feedback from monitoring means that detect position and ground pressure, replacing the open-loop hydraulic system with a closed-loop controlled system that provides precise ground pressure control during harvesting while retaining the ability to lift during headland passage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise control of ground pressure to suit operating conditions, preventing unnecessary processing and damage, while ensuring the mulcher remains operational and safe during different machine maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
a power-operated actuator (74) which is connected to a controller (92) for controlling the actuator (74). The controller (92) is connected to an operator interface (112), with which the force exerted by the actuator (74) on the holder (60, 66, 70, 76) can be specified.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A mulching device (50) for attachment to a harvesting header (20) is provided with a processing tool (54) for shredding plant stumps (80), a positionally adjustable holder of the processing tool (54) attached to the harvesting header (20), and means for controlling the position and/or ground pressure of the holder during harvesting operations, which include an externally operated actuator (74) connected to a control unit (92).