Pivotable Cutting Assembly for Agricultural Implement Turns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implement operators face challenges in efficiently controlling the operation of mowers when turning at the end of a field, requiring simultaneous performance of multiple tasks that can be distracting and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a cutting assembly with pivotable blades, an imaging device to capture field data, and a computing system to determine the location of uncut crop material and control the pivot actuator to adjust the cutting assembly's position based on this data, allowing for optimized cutting without the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control methods are used to prepare the vehicle and mower for turning, then the operator can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, but the operational efficiency decreases due to the complexity and distraction of coordinating multiple tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by having the imaging device automatically detect uncut crop material and the computing system automatically control the pivot actuator to position the cutting assembly. This eliminates the need for manual coordination of multiple tasks, allowing the system to autonomously manage the turning process and improve both ease of operation and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device provides real-time feedback about the location of uncut crop material to the computing system, which then adjusts the pivot actuator accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to field conditions dynamically, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and productivity by automating the decision-making process
2Loss of time
If the cutting assembly is manually positioned during turns, then the operator has control over the positioning, but the time required for turning increases and field coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device continuously monitors the field to detect uncut crop material before the turning maneuver is needed. The computing system receives this advance information and pre-calculates the required pivot position, allowing the cutting assembly to be automatically positioned in advance. This preliminary detection and calculation reduces the time required for actual turning and maintains high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control of the pivot actuator is replaced with an automated system using an imaging device and computing system. The imaging device captures field data, the computing system processes this data to determine uncut material location, and the pivot actuator is automatically controlled accordingly. This substitution of mechanical manual control with an automated sensor-computing-actuator system significantly reduces turning time and improves productivity
3Extent of automation
If imaging devices and computing systems are added to automatically control the pivot actuator, then the automation level increases and operational efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing system serves multiple functions: it receives input from the imaging device, processes image data to detect uncut crop material, determines the required pivot position, and controls the pivot actuator. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single multi-functional computing system, the patent reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining high automation level
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device, computing system, and pivot actuator are merged into an integrated automated control system. Rather than separate independent components, these elements work together as a unified system where the imaging device feeds data directly to the computing system, which then directly controls the pivot actuator. This merging reduces the number of interfaces and coordination requirements, thereby reducing device complexity while increasing automation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the operation of an agricultural implement includes a cutting assembly configured to be pivoted between the first and second sides of a vehicle centerline. Additionally, the system includes a pivot actuator configured to pivot the cutting assembly between the first and second sides. Furthermore, the system includes an imaging device configured to generate data depicting a portion of the field. Moreover, the system includes a computing system configured to receive input that the implement is at the end of the field. Additionally, the computing system is configured to determine the location of the uncut crop material based on the data. Furthermore, after receipt of the input that the implement is at the end of the field, the computing system is configured to control the operation of the pivot actuator such that the cutting assembly is pivoted based on the determined location of the uncut crop material.