Pivoting Gearbox Torque Sensing in Forage Wagon Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harvesting machines cannot separately measure the power requirement of individual functional units, such as the conveying rotor, due to the fixed positioning of drives which results in total power measurement only.
Innovation Solution
The gearbox is pivotably mounted through an angle and coupled to a pivot bearing with a sensor to determine the support force, allowing separate measurement of torque on individual units like the conveyor rotor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the gearbox is fixed to the chassis frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to separately measure power requirement of individual functional units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system by providing individual sensors for each functional unit (conveyor rotor, press piston, cutting rotor) rather than a single total power measurement. This allows separate measurement of power requirements for each unit while maintaining overall structural stability through the fixed gearbox mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate measurement elements (sensors, measuring hubs) between the drive train and functional units. These intermediaries enable separate power measurement of individual units without affecting the fixed structural mounting of the gearbox to the chassis frame.
2Device complexity
If multiple components are driven simultaneously via the input gearbox, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to separately measure individual drive power deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement capability by assigning dedicated sensors to specific functional units (conveyor rotor sensor, press piston sensor, cutting rotor sensor). This allows individual power measurement of each driven component while maintaining the simplified single-input-gearbox drive train structure that drives multiple components simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback measurement systems where sensors detect the power requirements of individual functional units and transmit this information to the control unit. This enables separate measurement and monitoring of each driven component's power consumption while the drive train operates as an integrated system.
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 independent measurement of torque on individual units, optimizing control and reducing operator workload by adjusting the tractor's driving speed based on specific unit requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the pivot bearing includes a sensor for determining a support force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a harvesting machine (100), preferably a forage wagon designed to collect straw and leaves lying on the ground. The invention further relates to a method for controlling a harvesting machine (100). Such harvesting machines (100) comprise a chassis frame (39) and a drive train (16) coupled to the chassis frame (39), which includes at least one transmission (50). In known harvesting machines (100), the power requirement may be determined based on a torque detected by a measuring hub located between the harvesting machine (100) and a tractor.In order to separately determine the power requirement of a single functional unit, for example a conveying rotor (14) or a metering unit (46), it is proposed that the gearbox (50) be mounted pivotably about an angle (β) and coupled to a pivot bearing (20-1; 20-2), wherein the pivot bearing (20-1; 20-2) includes a sensor (21) for determining a support force (F).