Roll Conditioner Gap Sensing for Consistent Crop Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustment of conditioning parameters in crop processing, such as distance between conditioning rolls and force exerted, is often a trial-and-error procedure, leading to suboptimal conditioning levels due to varying crop yield and density across a field.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a crop conditioning system with sensors and a controller to monitor and automatically adjust roll gap and pressure based on crop quantity flow rate, using algorithms to optimize conditioning levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual trial-and-error adjustment of conditioning parameters is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the conditioning precision deteriorates due to varying crop yield and density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of conditioning parameters (roll gap and pressure) based on real-time crop flow rate detection. The system transitions from static manual adjustment to dynamic automated control, allowing the conditioning mechanism to adapt continuously to varying crop yield and density conditions throughout the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect crop quantity flow rate and feeds this information back to the control system. The controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust roll gap and pressure, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal conditioning precision without manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated sensor-based adjustment is implemented, then the conditioning precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The conditioning system performs self-adjustment of roll gap and pressure based on sensor input and controller processing. The system serves itself by automatically detecting crop flow conditions and making appropriate parameter adjustments without requiring operator intervention, thereby improving consistency while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes physical parameters (roll gap distance and rolling pressure) based on detected crop conditions. By adjusting these parameters in real-time according to crop yield and density variations, the system maintains consistent conditioning quality across different field conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic adjustment of roll gap and pressure is implemented, then the adaptability to varying crop conditions improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to automated control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts conditioning parameters to match varying crop conditions throughout the field. Roll gap and pressure are automatically adjusted in real-time based on detected crop flow rate, enabling the system to handle diverse crop yield and density scenarios without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment of conditioning parameters is replaced with automated sensor-based detection and electronic control. The mechanical system of manual measurement and adjustment is substituted with electronic sensors, processors, and automated actuators that perform the same function with greater precision and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A crop conditioning system for an agricultural vehicle includes a crop conditioning arrangement having a frame, a first roller rotatably mounted to the frame, a second roller movably and rotatably mounted to the frame. A space between the first roller and second roller defines a gap for receiving crop material. A biasing member is operatively coupled to the second roller and biases the second roller toward the first roller. A first sensor is configured to detect the gap. A controller receives input data from the first sensor and outputs control signals to control the crop conditioning arrangement. The controller includes a processor configured to determine a status of the crop conditioning arrangement based on the input data. The determined status is indicative of a level of crop conditioning. The processor generates adjustment data indicative of an adjustment to the second roller in response to the determined status.