Tractor Baler Automatic Halt and Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of tractor/baler combinations face fatigue due to the need to manually stop the tractor during the baling process, as existing systems rely on operator intervention to manage bale size and wrapping, despite some automation of baler functions.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a bale size sensor system that communicates with a tractor controller to automatically halt the tractor when a bale reaches a predetermined size, along with automatic control of wrapping material dispensing and bale ejection, reducing operator workload and preventing production of oversized bales.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually monitors the baler and stops the tractor when the bale reaches desired size, then the bale size can be controlled, but the operator becomes fatigued and工作效率 decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the baler automatically monitors its own bale size and controls the tractor stopping without operator intervention. The baler controller receives bale size sensor signals and autonomously commands the tractor controller to halt propulsion, eliminating the need for continuous operator monitoring and manual stopping actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback where bale size sensors continuously measure bale dimensions and transmit signals to the baler controller. The controller processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts the baling process by signaling the tractor to stop when the bale reaches the desired size, ensuring consistent bale quality without operator intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If the operator continuously monitors the monitor or display for bale size information, then accurate bale size control is achieved, but operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baler system performs self-monitoring through integrated bale size sensors that automatically track bale dimensions. The baler controller processes sensor data and autonomously determines when the bale has reached the desired size, eliminating the need for the operator to visually monitor displays and making operational decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the operator's visual monitoring and manual control actions with automated electronic sensing and control mechanisms. Bale size sensors electronically detect bale dimensions, and the controller automatically transmits stopping commands to the tractor, substituting human sensory and motor functions with electronic systems.
3Productivity
If additional crop material enters the baling chamber after the bale is ready for binding, then continuous feeding maintains productivity, but the binding process is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting when the bale has reached the desired size before binding is required. The baler controller receives advance notification from bale size sensors and proactively signals the tractor controller to stop propulsion, preventing additional crop material from entering the baling chamber and disturbing the upcoming binding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors bale size and automatically controls the timing of tractor stopping. When sensors detect that the bale has reached the optimal size for binding, the feedback signal triggers the tractor to halt, ensuring the baling chamber is ready for binding without excess crop material that would interfere with the process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tractor (10) comprises an electronic tractor controller (60). A baler (12) comprises a crop receiving means (126), a baling chamber (112), a bale size sensor (144) associated with the baling chamber (112), and an electronic baler controller (110). The baler controller (110) is operable to submit a halt signal to the tractor controller (60) when a bale size signal provided by the bale size sensor (144) indicates that a bale has reached a size corresponding to a predetermined size. The tractor controller (60) then halts the tractor (10). A steering controller (60) is connected to a swath position sensor (162) and operable to automatically steer the tractor (10) along a swath (130) based upon the signals of the crop swath sensor (162) and of a bale shape sensor (144) such that a uniform bale shape is obtained.