Silage Cutting Device with Autonomous Linear Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silage cutting devices mounted on tractors cannot cut and transport silage simultaneously, leading to inefficient silage removal and uneven cutting across the silo width, as they rely on the tractor for movement and operation.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled device with roll means and linear guides for autonomous entry into the silo, equipped with a cutting mechanism that can move along the full width and height for even cutting, and a conveyor system for independent silage transport into a separate container, allowing continuous cutting and efficient silage distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cutting device is mounted on a tractor, then the device can be moved into the silo, but the cutting and transporting operations cannot be performed simultaneously, leading to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent modules: a cutting unit with milling cutters and a separate conveying unit with a conveyor belt. This segmentation allows the cutting mechanism to operate independently from the transport mechanism, enabling simultaneous cutting and conveying operations without mutual interference or waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
A conveyor belt acts as an intermediary element between the cutting zone and the discharge point. The conveyor continuously transports cut silage away from the cutting area, enabling the cutting operation to proceed without waiting for transport capacity, thus eliminating idle time for both cutting and transport functions.
2Ease of operation
If the device is mounted on a tractor, then it can be positioned in the silo, but the silage cannot be removed evenly across the full width of the silo
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device incorporates movable components including a conveyor belt that can be adjusted in position and a support structure with rollers that allow lateral movement. This dynamic configuration enables the cutting and conveying system to adapt to different positions across the silo width, ensuring uniform silage removal throughout the entire cross-section of the silo.
3Reliability
If a shielding plate is used to protect the cutter, then the cutter is protected when not cutting, but the device cannot autonomously advance into the silo without a tractor
Solution Approach 1:
The device is equipped with its own propulsion system including rollers and a support structure that enables it to autonomously advance into the silo without requiring external traction from a tractor. The shielding plate remains in place during autonomous movement, providing continuous cutter protection while the device independently positions itself within the silo.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (4) for cutting silage from a silo comprising: - a chassis extending in a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X); - roll means (5), such as wheels, arranged to the chassis (4) for rolling the chassis in the first direction; - a first linear guide (6) arranged to the chassis and extending in the second direction; - a sub-frame (7) arranged to and guided by the first linear guide; - a second linear guide (9) arranged to the sub-frame (7) and extending in a third direction (Z) perpendicular to both the first and second direction; - cutting means (12) for cutting silage, which cutting means (12) are arranged to and guided by the second linear guide; - conveyor means (15) arranged to the sub-frame (7), which conveyor means (15) convey cut silage in the third direction.