Reel Speed Control for Agricultural Windrowers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural windrowers face challenges in varying reel speed relative to ground speed to accommodate changing crop conditions, and existing systems struggle to maintain consistent reel speed during ground speed variations, potentially causing crops to be pushed away during cutting.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that allows selective variation of reel speed within a range of 100% to 130% of ground speed, with automatic adjustment to maintain the selected percentage, and ensures a minimum reel speed is maintained during turns or speed reductions, using a programmable control module and solenoid-controlled fluid drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the reel speed is set to a fixed percentage of ground speed, then the reel speed automatically adjusts during turns or speed reductions, but the reel speed may fall below the minimum value causing crops to be pushed away
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors ground speed and reel speed, and automatically adjusts the reel speed command to maintain the selected percentage relationship. This feedback mechanism ensures the reel speed adapts to ground speed variations while preventing it from falling below the minimum value, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module proactively prevents the reel speed from falling below the minimum value by detecting when the calculated percentage would result in an insufficient speed. It applies a counteracting adjustment to maintain the minimum speed threshold, preventing the harmful effect of crops being pushed away before it occurs.
2Ease of operation
If the reel speed is allowed to vary freely with ground speed, then the system is simple to operate, but the reel speed cannot be maintained at optimal levels for different crop conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the reel speed percentage to be dynamically adjusted for different operating conditions. The control module can be programmed with different percentage values suitable for different crop types and conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying requirements while maintaining automatic operation. This resolves the contradiction by making the system both easy to operate and adaptable to different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reel speed parameter (as a percentage of ground speed) based on different crop conditions and operational requirements. The control module can be configured with different percentage values to optimize reel speed for various crop types, densities, and environmental conditions, providing versatility while maintaining automatic control.
3Measurement precision
If a fluid drive system with proportional solenoid valves is used to control reel speed, then precise speed control is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical speed control mechanisms with an electronically controlled fluid drive system. The programmable control module uses electrical signals to control proportional solenoid valves, which in turn control the fluid drive motor speed. This substitution provides precise speed control while reducing mechanical complexity compared to traditional mechanical governors or gear systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for varying the speed of a reel versus ground speed of an agricultural windrower, wherein a programmable control module in connection with a signal operated device operable for controlling operation of the reel, is programmed to operate in an automatic mode to control the reel speed as a percentage of the ground speed, while preventing the reel speed from falling below a minimum value.