Remote Material Conveying System Wireless Auger Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grain-handling systems require manual operation to control auger speeds, leading to inefficiencies, increased operator fatigue, and safety risks due to frequent trips between equipment during loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controllable material-conveying system that mechanically couples a power unit, such as a tractor PTO, to a conveyor or auger, allowing for wireless control via a portable remote device, enabling users to manage power output and gate operations without direct manipulation, with optional features like bin sweep and safety sensors for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to control auger speeds, then the operator can directly manipulate power controls, but operator fatigue and safety risks increase due to frequent trips between equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an electronic control system that includes a controller, receiver, and data bus communication. The controller receives signals from the ISOBUS-compatible data connection and automatically adjusts the power output to the auger, eliminating the need for manual intervention and frequent operator trips between equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the operator and the power unit. The controller receives commands via data bus communication and automatically regulates power output to the auger, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct manual manipulation and reduces operator exposure to hazardous environments.
2Productivity
If manual throttling of PTO is performed, then desired auger run speeds can be achieved, but operational efficiency decreases due to multiple entries and exits from tractor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual throttling operations with automated electronic control. The controller receives signals through ISOBUS-compatible data connection and automatically adjusts PTO power output, eliminating the time-consuming manual throttling process and multiple operator trips between tractor and auger during loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous power control to the auger through automated electronic regulation. The controller maintains continuous communication via data bus and continuously adjusts power output based on operational requirements, eliminating interruptions caused by manual intervention and ensuring continuous loading operations.
3Reliability
If remote control is implemented, then operator safety and efficiency improve, but device complexity increases with additional control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing ISOBUS data bus infrastructure for control functions. The controller leverages the standardized ISOBUS communication protocol already present in modern agricultural equipment, allowing the remote control system to share existing communication pathways and reducing the need for separate dedicated control channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the existing ISOBUS data bus as an intermediary for control signals. Rather than creating a completely separate control system, the solution integrates with the established data bus infrastructure, using the existing communication mediator to transmit control commands and reduce system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A material-conveying system has a material-conveying apparatus for conveying material, an electronic control unit, a user interface control panel mounted to the apparatus and interfaced with the electronic control unit to receive user input commands to control the apparatus, a power unit mechanically coupled to the apparatus for powering the apparatus, a data bus communicatively connected between the power unit and the control unit, a portable remote control device for wirelessly transmitting command signals for remotely controlling a power output of the power unit to the apparatus, a wireless receiver at the apparatus for receiving the command signals from the portable remote control device and for transmitting the command signals to the electronic control unit that controls the power output of the power unit. The portable remote control device is also configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal to a gate controller of a material-unloading gate of a material container.