Transport Vehicle Silo Layer Thickness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for storing harvested material in silos require a time-consuming and energy-consuming intermediate step of distributing the material at a precise layer thickness, which is difficult to achieve uniformly across the silo surface without additional machinery.
Innovation Solution
A transport vehicle equipped with an electronic control device that adjusts its speed and path to deposit the harvested material at a predetermined layer thickness on the silo, potentially eliminating or shortening the need for separate distribution machinery by calculating the necessary layer thickness based on input information and controlling the discharge system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If harvested material is distributed on the silo by a separate distribution vehicle to achieve uniform layer thickness, then the layer thickness uniformity is improved, but the process complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distribution function and the transport function into a single vehicle. The transport vehicle is equipped with a distribution mechanism that automatically distributes harvested material along its path of travel, eliminating the need for a separate distribution vehicle while achieving uniform layer thickness through integrated control of transport and distribution operations
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicle is designed to perform multiple functions: transporting harvested material from the field and simultaneously distributing it uniformly across the silo surface. The vehicle includes a distribution mechanism that can be controlled to deposit material at predetermined rates and locations, making it a multi-functional device that replaces both transport and distribution vehicles
2Productivity
If harvested material is deposited in thick layers to reduce the number of passes, then the productivity is improved, but the packing density and silage quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the deposition rate and layer thickness to be varied during the filling process. The system can adapt the layer thickness based on real-time conditions, enabling optimal packing density while maintaining productivity through controlled variable thickness deposition rather than fixed thick layers
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the deposition process and provide feedback to adjust the distribution rate. This feedback control ensures that each layer achieves the desired thickness and packing density, preventing both excessive thickness that would harm quality and insufficient thickness that would require excessive passes
3Adaptability or versatility
If the silo is filled gradually over multiple days, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the oxygen exposure time increases leading to higher ammonia production
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous filling operations where the transport vehicle can operate without interruption to deposit harvested material in continuous layers. The distribution mechanism maintains continuous material flow and deposition, eliminating gaps and air pockets that would occur with gradual multi-day filling, thereby reducing oxygen exposure time while maintaining operational flexibility through extended working hours
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
This method allows for the direct and efficient deposition of harvested material at a uniform or varying layer thickness, reducing the time and energy required for the ensilaging process and eliminating the need for a separate distribution step, thereby improving the packing density and quality of the silage.
Implementation Method 1
A transport vehicle, which is loaded with the harvested material and which is controlled by an electronic control device, unloads the harvested material at a predetermined layer thickness of a harvested material layer on the silo
Implementation Method 2
A transport vehicle, which is loaded with the harvested material and which is controlled by an electronic control device, unloads the harvested material at a predetermined layer thickness of a harvested material layer on the silo
Data Source
AI summary
A method of storing harvested crop material in a silo includes loading the harvested crop material into a container of a transport vehicle in a field. The container includes a discharge system that is operable to unload the crop material, and which is controlled via an electronic control device. The crop material is transported from the field to the silo with the transport vehicle. The crop material is unloaded from the container of the transport vehicle directly into the silo with the discharge system. The electronic control device automatically controls at least one of the transport vehicle and the discharge system while unloading the crop material to form a harvested material layer in the silo having a predetermined layer thickness.