Spreader Impeller Speed Control for Wind Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines face challenges in uniformly distributing chaff across a field during harvesting in windy conditions, as wind disrupts the flow of chaff, leading to uneven distribution and potential interference with unharvested crop areas, which can reduce grain yield and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a spreader, an input device for wind condition data, an orientation control device to determine the machine's direction, and a controller that adjusts the spreader's impellers' speeds based on crosswind components and machine orientation to maintain uniform chaff distribution, using GPS and impellers to compensate for wind effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the spreader discharges chaff in wind conditions, then the chaff is distributed across the field, but the wind disrupts the flow causing uneven distribution and spreading onto unharvested portions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by using sensors to detect wind conditions before they disrupt chaff distribution, and the controller pre-adjusts the spreader's operation (rotational speed, lateral position) to counteract the expected wind impact, preventing uneven distribution and contamination of unharvested areas before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring wind conditions through sensors and using this information to dynamically adjust the spreader's operational parameters. The controller receives real-time wind data and modifies the spreader's rotational speed and lateral position to maintain uniform chaff distribution despite varying wind conditions
2Productivity
If the spreader operates at fixed speed and position, then the system is simple to operate, but wind causes chaff to be discharged onto unharvested crop areas reducing grain yield
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting wind conditions and adjusting the spreader's operational parameters without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously processes sensor data and modifies the spreader's speed and position, eliminating the need for operator awareness or adjustment while protecting grain yield
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated electronic control. Instead of requiring the operator to physically adjust the spreader based on observed conditions, the controller electronically regulates the spreader's rotational speed and lateral position based on sensor input, substituting automated control for manual operation
3Manufacturing precision
If the spreader adjusts to compensate for wind, then uniform distribution is maintained, but the control system requires multiple sensors and processing components
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by designing the controller to perform multiple functions: it processes data from various sensors (wind speed, wind direction, machine orientation), determines the crosswind component, and simultaneously controls both the spreader's rotational speed and lateral position. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate systems into a single integrated controller, reducing overall component count while maintaining precision
Data Source
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A work machine (10) includes a spreader (20) configured for broadcast spreading of a material from the work machine (10); an input device (24) configured to provide wind condition data; a GPS receiver (18) configured to determine an orientation of the work machine (10); and a controller (22) coupled to the spreader (20), the input device (24) and the GPS receiver (18). The controller (22) is configured to execute program instructions to control the broadcast of the material from the work machine (10) based on the wind condition data from the input device and based on the orientation of the work machine (10).