Agricultural Spreader Movable Distribution Device Edge Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural distribution machines with large working widths struggle to precisely treat corners, curves, and edges of fields without damaging the plant population or causing double treatments, due to uncontrolled pivoting and alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural distribution machine with a movable distribution device and motorized actuators controlled by sensors and a control device, allowing for precise alignment and adjustment of the distribution device relative to the field edges, enabling parallel or perpendicular orientation to edge structures, and autonomous operation to avoid overlaps and under-treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the distribution device is made wide to increase working width, then productivity is improved, but precision in treating corners and edges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or sections along its width. Each segment can be individually adjusted and controlled, allowing the wide distribution device to precisely treat corners and edges while maintaining overall wide coverage for high productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distribution device is made movable to improve adaptability to field edges, then precision in following contours is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device incorporates movable and adjustable components that can dynamically change position and orientation to follow field contours and edges. This dynamic capability allows precise contour following while the system manages the complexity through controlled actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors and control systems to detect field edge positions and provide feedback to the movable distribution device components. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of the distribution device to maintain precise alignment with contours, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If uncontrolled pivoting is allowed to improve ease of operation, then maneuverability is improved, but precision in treatment application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device allows controlled pivoting and rotation through motorized actuators that provide both ease of maneuverability and precision control. The system can pivot to follow field edges while maintaining precise treatment application through coordinated control of the pivoting motion and distribution mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural spreading machine (10) is disclosed, comprising a frame (18), one or more storage containers (24), and a spreading device (30) for dispensing liquids and/or granular or granulated materials, wherein the spreading device (30) is movably arranged on the frame (18). The spreading machine (10) also includes a chassis having at least two wheels (12) and/or a towing device (54), wherein the wheels (12) and/or the towing device (54) are pivotably or steerably arranged relative to the frame (18) via upright axles (36). A motorized actuator (40) which can be controlled by an electronic control device (42) is used to pivot or steer the wheels (12) and/or the towing device (54), wherein sensors (60) for detecting and transmitting an actual value regarding the orientation of these are assigned to the chassis and/or the upright axles (36) and/or the at least one actuator (40).To detect an edge structure (50) of an area to be processed, contour detection devices (58) are provided, assigned to the spreading machine (10) and/or connected to the control device (42), wherein the at least one actuator (40) is controlled depending on a detected orientation and an existing edge structure (50). The invention also relates to a method for controlling an agricultural spreading machine.