Windrower Cut Stock Width Measurement and Leveling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Windrowers often leave cut stock with uneven distribution in height and width, leading to inconsistent moisture content and potential decay or loss during baling operations.
Innovation Solution
A cut stock measurement system for work machines, equipped with distance sensors, a geolocation unit, and a processor, which computes stock width measurements and geolocations, and can adjust leveling blades to achieve even distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If windrower cuts stock without distribution control, then cutting operation is simple and fast, but cut stock has uneven height and width distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of cut stock dimensions using distance sensors before the stock is fully deposited. Based on these measurements, the control system pre-adjusts the distribution mechanism parameters to correct potential unevenness before it occurs, ensuring more uniform stock distribution without complex real-time mechanical adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously measures the height and width of cut stock using distance sensors and feeds this information back to the control system. The control system processes this data and adjusts distribution mechanism parameters in real-time to maintain uniform stock distribution, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision through intelligent feedback control
2Productivity
If cut stock has uneven distribution, then cutting operation is faster, but moisture content becomes inconsistent leading to decay or loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures cut stock dimensions and uses feedback control to adjust distribution parameters, ensuring uniform moisture content across the stock width while maintaining high cutting speed. The feedback loop continuously monitors and corrects distribution unevenness that would otherwise lead to moisture inconsistencies
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes distribution mechanism parameters based on measured stock characteristics to optimize both cutting speed and moisture uniformity. By adjusting parameters such as distribution angle or speed based on real-time measurements, the system maintains reliability without sacrificing productivity
3Productivity
If stock width varies significantly, then harvesting is more efficient, but baler cannot properly collect stock resulting in missed stock or uneven bale density
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of cut stock width using distance sensors and pre-adjusts distribution mechanism parameters before the stock reaches the baling area. This ensures that stock width is optimized for baler collection while maintaining high harvesting efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors stock width using distance sensors and uses feedback control to adjust distribution parameters in real-time. This ensures uniform stock width that is optimal for baler collection, resolving the contradiction between harvesting efficiency and baling precision through intelligent control
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures a more uniform distribution of cut stock, reducing excess moisture issues and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of cutting and baling operations.
Implementation Method 1
distance sensors that generate distance measurements between the work machine and the cut stock
Data Source
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AI summary
A cut stock measurement system and method for a work machine that cuts stock. The cut stock measurement system includes distance sensors that generate distance measurements to the cut stock, and a geolocation unit that generates a machine geolocation. The system computes a stock width measurement, and a stock geolocation. The distance sensors can include left and right distance sensors coupled to the left and right sides of the machine, or coupled to left and right foldable arms. The foldable arms can be coupled to the machine, and have ends that trail the machine as it moves forward. An adjustable leveling apparatus with left and right leveling blades can be coupled to the left and right foldable arms with a hinge pin in-between. Left and right leveling mechanisms can adjust heights of the left and right leveling blades above the ground.