Spreader With Movable Deflecting Vanes For Irregular Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spreader technologies face inefficiencies in distributing material evenly across irregularly shaped fields, particularly in fields with cultivated rows, due to constraints in adjusting the spread pattern and throw width, leading to overspread or underspread issues at field edges.
Innovation Solution
A spreader system with movable deflecting vanes controlled by actuators, integrated with a GPS system to adjust the material flow and impact region on rotating discs, allowing for both uniform and non-uniform distribution patterns while maintaining constant rotational speed, enabling optimal coverage and reducing overspread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a uniform scatter pattern is used to ensure even material distribution, then coverage uniformity is improved, but the ability to adapt to irregular field shapes and avoid overspread is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the scatter pattern adjustable rather than fixed. The deflecting vanes can be repositioned to change the scatter pattern from uniform to non-uniform, allowing the spreader to adapt to different field shapes and conditions while maintaining control over material distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of scatter pattern distribution by allowing the deflecting vanes to be positioned at different angles. This enables transition between uniform scatter patterns for rectangular fields and non-uniform patterns for irregular fields, directly addressing the adaptability issue.
2Productivity
If the rotational speed of spinning discs is increased to cover larger areas rapidly, then productivity is improved, but material distribution precision and coverage evenness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the deflecting vanes that can adjust during operation. This allows the system to maintain precise material distribution control even at higher rotational speeds by actively modifying the scatter pattern in response to field conditions and speed changes.
3Ease of operation
If the spreader is constrained to follow cultivated rows in row crop fields, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to reach field edges and reduce overspread is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the scatter pattern parameter by repositioning deflecting vanes when approaching field edges or turning points. This allows the spreader to maintain row alignment for most of the field while adjusting the material distribution pattern to prevent overspread at critical areas like field edges and corners.
4Adaptability or versatility
If GPS and complex control systems are used to adjust spread patterns, then adaptability to irregular fields is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a relatively simple mechanical system with movable deflecting vanes that can be adjusted to different positions. This dynamic mechanical adjustment provides adaptability to different field shapes without requiring complex electronic control systems, GPS integration, or sophisticated algorithms.
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
The system achieves precise and efficient material distribution across irregular fields by dynamically adjusting the spread pattern and throw width, ensuring uniform coverage and minimizing overspread, even in areas with cultivated rows.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pair of adjacent rotating discs having a plurality of generally radially oriented blades attached thereon for disbursing the material in a pre-selected pattern
Implementation Method 2
The material as it passes through the at least one pair of funnel units is directed to a predetermined impact region on each of the rotating discs by a corresponding pair of deflecting vanes
Data Source
AI summary
A spreader for spreading a material including at least one pair of rotating discs having a plurality of generally radially oriented blades attached thereon for disbursing the material in a pre-selected pattern. The discs are rotatably positioned below an end of a funnel unit to receive material passing through the funnel units. The material, as it passes through the funnel units, is directed to a predetermined impact region on each of the rotating discs by a corresponding pair of deflecting vanes integrally fit and movably attached within each funnel of the pair of funnel units. Each deflecting vane is selectably movable by a corresponding actuator from a first position to a second position while the spreader is operating.