Tractor Stopping Sequence for Round Baler Wrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural hay and forage equipment, such as round balers, face challenges in synchronizing tractor stopping with bale wrapping, leading to potential crop material being bound outside the wrapping area, which increases operator fatigue and reduces productivity.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically controls the tractor to slow and stop based on the status of the baler, including the movement and position of the wrapper assembly, ensuring synchronization with the wrapping process by comparing the time required for the tractor to stop with the time needed for the wrapper assembly to reach its start position, allowing for simultaneous stopping and wrapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tractor stopping sequence is manually controlled by the operator, then the operator can respond to bale completion, but the operator fatigue increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic tractor stopping by having the baler controller autonomously determine when the bale is complete and send a halt signal to the tractor controller, eliminating the need for continuous operator monitoring and manual stopping decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from bale size sensors and wrapper assembly position sensors to automatically control the tractor stopping sequence, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual baling conditions without operator intervention
2Manufacturing precision
If the tractor stops before the wrapper assembly reaches the start position, then wrapping can begin, but crop material may be bound outside the wrapping area
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the tractor stopping time based on current speed and determines the exact moment when the wrapper assembly will reach the start position, then initiates the stopping sequence at the precisely calculated time to ensure synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual timing and coordination with an electronic control system that uses sensor data and calculated time values to automatically synchronize tractor stopping with wrapper assembly position, ensuring precise alignment without operator judgment
3Manufacturing precision
If the tractor stops too late in the wrapping sequence, then wrapping can proceed, but crop material is bound outside the wrapping area
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors wrapper assembly position through sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the stopping sequence timing, ensuring the tractor stops at the exact moment needed for proper wrapping alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The baler controller acts as an intermediary that receives position information from wrapper sensors and tractor speed information, then calculates and sends the appropriate halt signal to the tractor controller to achieve synchronized stopping
4Ease of operation
If automatic tractor stopping is implemented, then operator fatigue is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baler controller and tractor controller are designed to perform multiple functions including bale size monitoring, wrapper position tracking, stopping sequence control, and communication coordination, reducing the need for separate dedicated components
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is provided that automatically stops a tractor (7) as a function of a status of a round baler (5). This may include a controller such as a baler controller (67) directly or indirectly detecting initial movement of an actuator (61) that moves a wrapper assembly (41). Based on this detection, conditions for starting a wrap procedure may be determined either by actuator position or by a time period required for moving the wrapper assembly (41) from a home position to a wrap start position. A time period required to bring the tractor (7) to stop may be determined and compared with the time period required for the wrapper assembly (41) to move from the home position to the wrap start position. The baler controller (67) may send a tractor halt command signal for stopping the tractor (7) to coordinate and synchronize bringing the tractor (7) to a complete stop at the same time that the wrapping material (43) is inserted and applied onto the bale (37)at the beginning of a wrapping procedure.