Centrifugal Spreader Control System for Symmetrical Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifugal spreader control systems fail to maintain symmetrical fertilizer distribution characteristics, especially under windy conditions, due to limitations in adjusting disc speed and ejection angles, leading to uneven application rates across agricultural areas.

Innovation Solution

The control system adjusts the speed and ejection angles of centrifugal discs to maintain a symmetrical distribution characteristic by setting a limit value for disc speed, adjusting the target ejection angle, and reducing the standard speed when the limit is reached, while also considering wind influences and disc geometry to ensure uniform fertilizer application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the speed of the centrifugal disc is increased to maintain the desired working width, then the working width is maintained, but the distribution characteristic becomes asymmetrical and air resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentrifugal disc speedVSAvoiddistribution characteristic symmetry
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the ejection angle of the centrifugal disc based on operating conditions. When the disc speed reaches a limit value, the control system modifies the ejection angle to compensate for asymmetry in the distribution characteristic, allowing the system to adapt to changing speed conditions while maintaining uniform fertilizer application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system changes multiple parameters simultaneously - when centrifugal disc speed reaches its limit, the system adjusts the ejection angle and coordinates the speed of the second centrifugal disc to maintain symmetrical distribution. This multi-parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by finding an alternative combination of parameters that achieves the same working width without compromising distribution symmetry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the ejection angle is adjusted to maintain working width when speed limit is reached, then the working width is maintained, but the distribution characteristic changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentrifugal disc speedVSAvoidspreading pattern
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system intentionally introduces asymmetry in the ejection angle adjustment to compensate for the asymmetry caused by speed limitations. By adjusting the ejection angle of one centrifugal disc differently from the other, the system counterbalances the distorted spreading pattern and restores overall symmetry to the fertilizer distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors the distribution characteristic and adjusts the ejection angle based on feedback about the current spreading pattern. When the speed limit is reached and distribution asymmetry is detected, the system modifies the ejection angle to correct the distortion, creating a closed-loop control that maintains optimal distribution shape despite speed constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If the speed of the second centrifugal disc is adjusted to maintain symmetrical distribution, then the distribution symmetry is maintained, but the working width may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution characteristic symmetryVSAvoidworking width
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system coordinates both centrifugal discs to perform multiple functions simultaneously - maintaining symmetrical distribution while preserving the desired working width. By adjusting the speed of the second centrifugal disc in coordination with the first disc and the ejection angle adjustments, the system achieves both objectives through a unified control strategy that balances both parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach ensures a symmetrical and uniform fertilizer distribution across agricultural areas, even under windy conditions, by mirroring distribution characteristics between discs and adapting to external influences, thereby maintaining a consistent application rate through overlapping processing.

Implementation Method 1

centrifugal spreader with two centrifugal discs (5) for throwing the fertilizer on to the agricultural area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

an ideal distribution can be prevented by the increased air resistance due to the increased throwing speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir resistance: Drag

Data Source

PatentEP3228173B1Control system for a broadcaster and method
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3228173B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3228173B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3228173B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control system (10) and a method for controlling a centrifugal spreader (1) are provided, wherein in normal operation, when a stored limit value (GD) for the rotational speed of the centrifugal discs of the centrifugal spreader is reached, the setpoint for the discharge angle of at least one centrifugal disc is adjusted accordingly by the control system (10) to maintain the desired working width (AB), and the rotational speed of the second centrifugal disc and the setpoint for the discharge angle of the second centrifugal disc are adjusted accordingly by the control system (10) to maintain a symmetrical distribution characteristic of the centrifugal spreader.