Spreader Disc Width Control for Tramline Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grit spreading devices face challenges in achieving precise control over spreading width, particularly at oblique boundaries, due to complex and time-consuming control methods that fail to meet increasing demands on spreading precision.

Innovation Solution

The method determines switching distances based on the throwing direction of centrifugal discs, allowing for precise adjustment of spreading width by considering both set and actual throwing directions, and using part-width switching to gradually interrupt or resume grit ejection, adapting to changing spreading patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If section control systems are used to adjust spreading width at centrifugal discs, then spreading precision at boundaries is improved, but control complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespreading precisionVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent calculates and stores switching distances in advance based on the throwing direction and boundary geometry. The control system retrieves pre-calculated switching distances from memory rather than computing them in real-time, significantly reducing control complexity and time consumption while maintaining high spreading precision at boundaries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a geometric model (copy) of the boundary and spreading pattern to calculate switching distances virtually before actual spreading operations. This virtual modeling allows precise determination of switching points without complex real-time measurements during field operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If empirically determined characteristic values are used for fertilizer flight characteristics, then switching intervals can be determined, but application precision and control efficiency cannot meet increasing demands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication precisionVSAvoidcontrol efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from using fixed empirically determined characteristic values to dynamically calculating switching distances based on variable parameters including throwing direction, boundary geometry, and spreading pattern. This parameter-based approach enables both high application precision and improved control efficiency by adapting to different operating conditions without requiring complex real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical control procedures with a computational approach using geometric calculations and stored characteristic data. The control system uses processed information from sensors and pre-stored data to automatically determine switching intervals, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustments and empirical trial-and-error methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances precision in grit distribution by aligning the spreading fan with the scattering area, ensuring uniform and precise application, even at complex boundary conditions, thereby simplifying the adjustment process and improving spreading accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

two centrifugal discs arranged next to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3453241B1Method for distributing spread goods
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3453241B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453241B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3453241B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for spreading material by a spreader (10), comprising the steps of: detecting a spreading limit which requires an adjustment of the spreading width (20a, 20b) of at least one spreading disc (12a, 12b) of the spreader (10) while driving over at least one tramline, adjusting the spreading width (20a, 20b) of the at least one spreading disc (12a, 12b), in particular by means of a partial width control (14), when at least one switching distance of the spreader (10) to the spreading limit is reached, and determining the at least one switching distance as a function of a throwing direction (22a, 22b) of the at least one spreading disc (12a, 12b) of the spreader (10).