Centrifugal Spreader Partial Widths for Overlapping Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal spreader technologies often leave unworked areas in agricultural fields due to non-overlapping section widths, leading to inefficient distribution and potential over-fertilization, especially when cornering or navigating complex field geometries.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the shape and extent of each partial width section based on its offset in the direction of travel to ensure overlap, using measuring systems to adjust the throwing distance and angle, and optimizing section geometry to maintain precise switch-on and switch-off points while preventing over-fertilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If section widths are selected solely based on distribution characteristics, then the spreading parameters can be optimized for material distribution, but unworked areas remain in the field leading to incomplete coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the section width definition from a single transverse dimension to include a longitudinal component in the direction of travel. This creates rectangular section widths that project forward, ensuring that areas treated by the spreading fan are captured by the defined sections even when the vehicle is cornering or navigating complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The section widths are predetermined with built-in longitudinal extensions before field operation begins. This preliminary design ensures that when the vehicle encounters curves or complex field boundaries, the pre-defined sections already account for the offset between the spreading fan and the vehicle position, preventing gaps in coverage.
2Reliability
If section widths are extended in the direction of travel to ensure overlap, then complete coverage is achieved, but the complexity of determining section geometry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the section width parameters by adding a longitudinal dimension (extent in direction of travel) to the traditional transverse width. This parameter change transforms the section from a simple transverse strip to a rectangular area that extends forward, systematically ensuring overlap and coverage without requiring complex adaptive geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The section geometry is tailored locally to each position within the spreading pattern. Sections closer to the edges of the spreading fan have greater longitudinal extensions to account for larger offsets from the vehicle, while central sections have smaller extensions. This localized adaptation ensures optimal coverage with minimal overall complexity.
3Productivity
If the spreading fan is used to treat areas while driving, then efficient field coverage is achieved, but non-overlapping sections cause treated areas to be missed during recording
Solution Approach 1:
The section definition is extended into the longitudinal dimension to create a projection effect. This ensures that areas treated by the spreading fan, which may be offset from the vehicle path during cornering, are captured within the expanded section boundaries, preventing information loss in the treated area recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal extensions of the sections create a buffer zone that compensates for potential mismatches between the spreading fan position and the vehicle position during dynamic operations like cornering. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if the fan treats an area slightly offset from the vehicle path, the section still captures it for accurate recording.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method for determining partial width positions within the spreading fan (3) of a centrifugal spreader, wherein the distribution area of the centrifugal spreader is determined depending on the spreading parameters used, in particular the type of centrifugal disc (1), the rotational speed of the centrifugal disc, the point of application of the spreading material onto the centrifugal disc and preferably the type of spreading material, wherein several partial widths (7) arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel at least predominantly next to each other cover the width of the spreading fan (3) at least approximately completely, wherein the partial widths (7) are arranged offset in the direction of travel (4) depending on the shape of the spreading fan (3).In order to provide a method for determining optimized section positions, it is provided that the shape and/or extent of each section (7) in the direction of travel (4) is selected in such a way as to the offset of the section widths (7) in the direction of travel (4) that two section widths adjacent perpendicular to the direction of travel overlap at least partially, in particular in the direction of travel.