Agriculture

Research

21 pages, 6485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Optimization of Power Shift Tractor Starting Control Strategy Based on PSO-ELM Algorithm

by Yu Qian, Lin Wang and Zhixiong Lu

Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050747 - 10 May 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1191

Power shift tractors have been widely used in agricultural tractors in recent years because of their advantages of uninterrupted power during shifting, high transmission efficiency and high stability. As one of the indispensable driving states of the power shift tractor, the starting process [...] Read more.

Power shift tractors have been widely used in agricultural tractors in recent years because of their advantages of uninterrupted power during shifting, high transmission efficiency and high stability. As one of the indispensable driving states of the power shift tractor, the starting process requires a small impact and a starting speed that meets the driver’s requirements. In this paper, aiming at such contradictory requirements, the starting control strategy of a power shift tractor is formulated with the goal of starting quality and the driver’s intention. Firstly, the identification characteristics of the driver under three starting intentions are obtained by a real vehicle test. An extreme learning machine with fast identification speed and short training time is used to establish the basic driver’s intention identification model. For the instability of the identification results of the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) is used to optimize the ELM. The optimized extreme learning machine model has an accuracy of 96.891% for driver’s intention identification. The wet clutch is an important part of the power shift gearbox. In this paper, the starting control strategy knowledge base of the starting clutch is established by a combination of bench tests and simulation tests. Through the fuzzy algorithm, the driver’s intention is combined with the starting control strategy. Different drivers’ intentions will affect the comprehensive evaluation model of the clutch (the single evaluation index of the clutch is: the maximum sliding power, the sliding power, the speed stability time, the impact degree), thus affecting the final choice of the starting clutch control strategy considering the driver’s intention. On this basis, this paper studies and establishes the MPC starting controller for the power shift gearbox. Compared with the linear control strategy, the PSO-ELM-fuzzy weight starting strategy proposed in this paper can reduce the maximum sliding friction power by 45%, the sliding friction power by 69.45%, and the speed stabilization time by 0.11 s. The effectiveness of the starting control strategy considering the driver’s intention proposed in this paper to improve the starting quality of the power shift tractor is verified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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21 pages, 7623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimized Design for Vibration Reduction in a Residual Film Recovery Machine Frame Based on Modal Analysis

by Xinzhong Wang, Tianyu Hong, Weiquan Fang and Xingye Chen

Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040543 - 29 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1054

Abstract

The technology of plastic film mulching is widely applied in Xinjiang, but it also brings about serious issues of residual film pollution. Currently, the 1MSF-2.0 residual film recovery machine can effectively address the problem. However, it faces challenges such as high overall machine [...] Read more.

The technology of plastic film mulching is widely applied in Xinjiang, but it also brings about serious issues of residual film pollution. Currently, the 1MSF-2.0 residual film recovery machine can effectively address the problem. However, it faces challenges such as high overall machine weight and noticeable frame vibrations, which affect the stability of the entire machine operation. The frame, as the installation foundation, needs to bear loads and impact. Therefore, the reliability of the frame is crucial for the stability of the entire machine. Improving the frame’s vibration is of great importance. In response to the significant vibration issues during the operation of the 1MSF-2.0 residual film recovery machine, this paper utilized Workbench 2020 R2 to establish a finite element model of the machine frame and conducted static analysis to obtain strength information, thereby initially understanding the optimization space of the frame. Building upon this, Mechanical was employed to solve the first 14 natural frequencies and mode shapes of the frame, and the accuracy of the theoretical analysis was verified through modal testing. After analyzing the frequency characteristics of external excitation forces, it was found that the fourth-order natural frequency of the frame fell within the frequency range of the excitation force of the shaft of the straw grinder, causing resonance in the frame and necessitating structural optimization. The optimal results indicated that the optimized frame increased in mass by 4.41%, reduced the maximum stress value by 2.56 MPa, and increased the fourth-order natural frequency to 22.7 Hz, avoiding the frequency range of the excitation force of the shaft of the straw grinder, thus improving the resonance issue. This paper provides a reference for optimizing the design of the frame of the residual film recovery machine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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25 pages, 9019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study the Flow Capacity of Cylindrical Pellets in Hopper with Unloading Paddle Using DEM

by Huinan Huang, Yan Zhang, Defu Wang, Zijiang Fu, Hui Tian, Junjuan Shang, Mahmoud Helal and Zhijun Lv

Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040523 - 25 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1361

Abstract

The hopper is an important piece of basic equipment used for storing and transporting materials in the agricultural, grain, chemical engineering, coal mine and pharmaceutical industries. The discharging performance of hoppers is mainly affected by material properties and hopper structure. In this work, [...] Read more.

The hopper is an important piece of basic equipment used for storing and transporting materials in the agricultural, grain, chemical engineering, coal mine and pharmaceutical industries. The discharging performance of hoppers is mainly affected by material properties and hopper structure. In this work, the flow capacity of cylindrical pellets in the hopper with the unloading paddle is studied. A series of numerical simulation analyses with the aid of the discrete element method (DEM) platform are carried out. Then, the discharging process is illustrated, and the flow capacity of pellets in the hopper is analyzed by the mass flow index (MFI), the dynamic discharging angle (DDA) formed in the discharging process and porosity among pellets. Furthermore, the effect of parameters such as hopper half angle, rotation speed of the unloading paddle and outlet diameter of the hopper is investigated. The results show that MFI increases with an increase in hopper half angle or outlet diameter and a decrease in rotation speed. Meanwhile, DDA and porosity decrease with the increase in the hopper half angle or outlet diameter and the decrease in the rotation speed. Finally, the MFI ~0.24 is identified as the criterion to distinguish the mass flow from the funnel flow for the hopper with an unloading paddle, and the optimization results are decided as follows: hopper half angle greater than 60°, outlet diameter greater than 60 mm and rotation speed between 45 rpm and 60 rpm. These results should be useful for providing a theoretical reference for the optimization design of feeding devices for swine feeders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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16 pages, 1974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Model Development for Off-Road Traction Control: A Linear Parameter-Varying Approach

by Adam Szabo, Daniel Karoly Doba, Szilard Aradi and Peter Kiss

Agriculture 2024, 14(3), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14030499 - 19 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1296

Abstract

The number of highly automated machines in the agricultural sector has increased rapidly in recent years. To reduce their fuel consumption, and thus their emission and operational cost, the performance of such machines must be optimized. The running gear–terrain interaction heavily affects the [...] Read more.

The number of highly automated machines in the agricultural sector has increased rapidly in recent years. To reduce their fuel consumption, and thus their emission and operational cost, the performance of such machines must be optimized. The running gear–terrain interaction heavily affects the behavior of the vehicle; therefore, off-road traction control algorithms must effectively handle this nonlinear phenomenon. This paper proposes a linear parameter-varying model that retains the generality of semiempirical models while supporting the development of real-time state observers and control algorithms. First, the model is derived from the Bekker–Wong model for the theoretical case of a single wheel; then, it is generalized to describe the behavior of vehicles with an arbitrary number of wheels. The proposed model is validated using an open-source multiphysics simulation engine and experimental measurements. According to the validated results, it performs satisfactorily overall in terms of model complexity, calculation cost, and accuracy, confirming its applicability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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18 pages, 6560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Hole-Forming Performance and Opening of Mulching Film for a Dibble-Type Transplanting Device

by Xiaoshun Zhao, Zhuangzhuang Hou, Jizong Zhang, Huali Yu, Jianjun Hao and Yuhua Liu

Agriculture 2024, 14(3), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14030494 - 18 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1072

Abstract

In order to improve the quality of transplanting devices and solve the problems of the poor effect on soil moisture conservation and more weeds easily growing due to the high mulching-film damage rate with an excessive number of hole openings, we developed a [...] Read more.

In order to improve the quality of transplanting devices and solve the problems of the poor effect on soil moisture conservation and more weeds easily growing due to the high mulching-film damage rate with an excessive number of hole openings, we developed a dibble-type transplanting device consisting of a dibble-type transplanting unit, a transplanting disc, and a dibble axis. The ADAMS software Adams2020 (64bit) was used to simulate and analyze the kinematic track of the transplanting device. The results of the analysis show that, when the hole opening of the envelope in the longitudinal dimension was the smallest, the transplanting characteristic coefficient was 1.034, the transplanting angle was 95°, and the transplanting frequency had no influence. With the help of the ANSYS WORKBENCH software Ansys19.2 (64bit), an analysis of the process of the formation of an opening in the mulching film and a mechanical simulation of this process were completed. The results indicate that, when the maximum shear stress of the mulching film was the smallest, the transplanting characteristic coefficient was 1.000, the transplanting frequency was 36 plants·min⁻¹, and the transplanting angle was 95°. In addition, the device was tested in a film-breaking experiment on a soil-tank test bench to verify the hole opening in the mulching film. The bench test showed that, when the longitudinal dimension was the smallest, the transplanting characteristic coefficient was 1.034, the transplanting frequency was 36 plants·min⁻¹, and the transplanting angle was 95°. When the lateral dimension was the smallest, the transplanting characteristic coefficient was 1.034, the transplanting frequency was 36 plants·min⁻¹, and the transplanting angle was 90°. The theoretical analysis, kinematic simulation, and soil-tank test results were consistent, verifying the validity and ensuring the feasibility of the transplanting device. This study provides a reference for the development of transplanting devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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29 pages, 20873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Functional Parameters for a Single-Row Seedling Transplanter Prototype

by Virgil Vlahidis, Radu Roșca and Petru-Marian Cârlescu

Agriculture 2024, 14(3), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14030388 - 28 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1217

Abstract

The development of an automatic seedling planting system for micro-farms requires testing under laboratory conditions to verify the theoretical relationships between essential functional parameters, working speed and planting time. The constructive dimensional values of the prototype, the results measured in stationary mode directly [...] Read more.

The development of an automatic seedling planting system for micro-farms requires testing under laboratory conditions to verify the theoretical relationships between essential functional parameters, working speed and planting time. The constructive dimensional values of the prototype, the results measured in stationary mode directly on the transplanter and the auxiliary equipment and the direct determinations of the working parameters on the soil bin are used. Depending on the characteristics of the soil bin trolley, a range of speeds is chosen at which the machine is tested. The data obtained validate the correct operation of the prototype at speeds close to those determined theoretically for the following indicators: distance between plants per row, planter wheel slippage, misplanted seedlings rate and seedling frequency, with results comparable to existing agronomic standards. Once the appropriate operating speeds of the machine have been obtained, between 0.304 and 0.412 m/s, with planting frequencies between 0.899 and 1.157 s⁻¹ (respectively, 53.94 and 69.42 seedlings per minute), optimizations and adjustments of some machine components can be made, for subsequent testing in real field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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14 pages, 4680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis and Experimental Investigation of Steering Kinematics of Driven Steering Crawler Harvester Chassis

by Yanxin Wang, Chengqian Jin, Tengxiang Yang, Tingen Wang and Youliang Ni

Agriculture 2024, 14(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14010065 - 29 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1561

Abstract

In the context of automatic driving, the analysis of the steering motion characteristics is critical for enhancing the efficiency of crawler harvesters. To address issues such as the low transmission efficiency and the large steering radius encountered by traditional crawler harvesters featuring hydrostatic [...] Read more.

In the context of automatic driving, the analysis of the steering motion characteristics is critical for enhancing the efficiency of crawler harvesters. To address issues such as the low transmission efficiency and the large steering radius encountered by traditional crawler harvesters featuring hydrostatic drives, a driven steering crawler harvester chassis was designed. This involved analysis of the chassis transmission system structure and its steering characteristics under several conditions, including differential steering, differential direction reversal, and unilateral braking steering. The steering parameters were determined based on real-time kinematic positioning–global navigation satellite system (RTK-GNSS) measurements, and they were compared with theoretical predictions based on the crawler harvester steering kinematics. The slip rates and modified models of the crawler chassis for various steering modes were then obtained. The results indicated that the increase in the ratio between the running input and steering input speeds led to larger track steering radii and smaller average rotational angular velocities. Remarkably, the slopes of the linear fits of the tracked chassis steering parameters varied significantly under differential direction reversal and differential steering modes. Compared with the actual results, the correlation coefficient of the tracked chassis steering parameters fitting model is close to 1. The steering parameter model was deemed suitable for actual operational requirements. The results provide a valuable reference for designing navigation and steering models of crawler harvesters operating on different road surfaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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17 pages, 8778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Experimental Testing of a Centrifugal Wheat Strip Seeding Device

by Xingcheng An, Xiupei Cheng, Xianliang Wang, Yue Han, Hui Li, Lingyu Liu, Minghao Liu, Meng Liu and Xiangcai Zhang

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 1883; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101883 - 26 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1635

Abstract

Wheat sowing has the characteristics of wide and short sowing periods, and there are situations in which the suitable sowing period is missed. In order to meet the needs of high-speed sowing, a centrifugal wheat strip seeding device was designed, the principle of [...] Read more.

Wheat sowing has the characteristics of wide and short sowing periods, and there are situations in which the suitable sowing period is missed. In order to meet the needs of high-speed sowing, a centrifugal wheat strip seeding device was designed, the principle of which is that rotating parts were mainly composed of centrifugal concave plate and guide strip rotating in the shell to provide the mechanical force and drive the airflow and then realize high-speed seeding. The influence of the rotational speed of the seed discharging plate, the seed feed rate, and the dip angle of the guide strip on the distribution of the flow field and trajectory of seeds in the device was analyzed. The aerodynamic characteristics of seeds and the distribution of the gas-phase flow field inside the seed displacer under airflow were analyzed by CFD–DEM coupled simulation. The effects of three operating parameters on the coefficient of variation of sowing uniformity (CVSU) and the row-to-row seeding amount coefficient of variation (RSCV) were clarified, and the simulation results were verified by bench experiments after secondary optimization. When the centrifugal concave plate rotational speed, seed feed rate, and guide strip angle were 408 rpm, 4938 grains/s, and 69°, the results showed that CVSU and RSCV were 1.12% and 2.39%, respectively, which was in line with the standards for grain strip seeders stipulated. The designed seed discharge device can sow 3.4 ha per hour. This study provides a reference for research of centrifugal airflow-assisted high-speed seeding devices for wheat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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20 pages, 10841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization Design and Experiment for Precise Control Double Arc Groove Screw Fertilizer Discharger

by Guoqiang Dun, Xingpeng Wu, Xinxin Ji, Wenhui Liu and Ning Mao

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 1866; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101866 - 24 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1243

Abstract

In order to solve the problem of uniform and precise fertilizer discharge, based on experimental analysis of the uneven nature of single-screw fertilizer discharge, a double arc groove screw fertilizer discharger was designed based on the principle of the half-cycle superposition of the [...] Read more.

In order to solve the problem of uniform and precise fertilizer discharge, based on experimental analysis of the uneven nature of single-screw fertilizer discharge, a double arc groove screw fertilizer discharger was designed based on the principle of the half-cycle superposition of the fertilizer discharge curve. The fertilizer discharge amount and the instantaneous fertilizer discharge characteristics of the double arc groove screw fertilizer discharger were theoretically analyzed, and the factors affecting the fertilizer discharge uniformity of the double arc groove screw fertilizer discharger were obtained, taking the pitch S, arc groove radius R_p and center distance as the test factors. Using the uniformity variation coefficient and fertilization accuracy as test indexes, the experimental indicators were evaluated through a quadratic universal rotation combination design experiment with three factors and five levels. The optimal parameters were pitch S = 35 mm, arc groove radius R_p = 17 mm and center distance a = 40 mm. The fertilizer discharger was produced based on the optimal parameter combination, and a bench verification test and a comparative test were carried out. The test results show that the uniformity variation coefficient of the bench test and the relative error between the fertilization accuracy and the simulation test are 5.60% and 5.52%, respectively, and there is little difference between them, which verifies the correctness of the simulation. The comparative test results show that the uniformity variation coefficient of the optimized double arc groove screw fertilizer discharger is 7.16%, the fertilization accuracy is 3.44% and the fitting curve equation R² of fertilizer discharge flow is 0.998, all of which are significantly better than in the single-screw fertilizer discharger. We developed an electronic fertilizer discharge controller and conducted bench verification tests on it. The test results show that the average deviation between the measured fertilizer discharge capacity and the preset value of the double arc groove screw fertilizer discharger based on our self-developed controller is 2.78%. This fertilizer discharge device can precisely control fertilizer discharge, effectively solving the problem of uneven fertilizer discharge in single-screw fertilizer dischargers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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18 pages, 5231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Shifting Quality for Hydrostatic Power-Split Transmission with Single Standard Planetary Gear Set

by Zhaorui Xu, Jiabo Wang, Yanqiang Yang, Guangming Wang and Shenghui Fu

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1685; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091685 - 26 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1325

Abstract

To improve the driving comfort of continuously variable transmission (CVT) tractors, the shifting quality of hydrostatic power-split transmission with a standard planetary gear set was optimized. Firstly, the powertrain of the CVT and two shift strategies, direct-shift and bridge-shift, were introduced; then, a [...] Read more.

To improve the driving comfort of continuously variable transmission (CVT) tractors, the shifting quality of hydrostatic power-split transmission with a standard planetary gear set was optimized. Firstly, the powertrain of the CVT and two shift strategies, direct-shift and bridge-shift, were introduced; then, a dynamic model of tractor shifting was constructed, and the models of key components such as wet clutches and proportional pressure valves were experimentally verified. Finally, the control parameters of the above two shifting strategies were optimized, and the acceleration impact and sliding energy loss caused by them were compared. The results showed the following: the minimum peak acceleration of the bridge-shift method was 0.385807 m/s²; the energy consumption of the bridge-shift method was significantly lower than that of the direct-shift method; the sliding friction work of clutches decreased by 14.92% and 75.84%, respectively, while their power loss decreased by 22.82% and 74.48%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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16 pages, 4921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Design of and Experiment on a Dual-Spiral Ditcher for Orchards

by Jianfei Liu, Ping Jiang, Jun Chen, Xiaocong Zhang, Minzi Xu, Defan Huang and Yixin Shi

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1628; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081628 - 18 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1531

Abstract

This study aimed to design a counter-rotating dual-axis spiral ditcher to address the problems of the lack of ditching models, low ditching quality, and high power consumption in ditching operations in hilly and mountainous orchards. By establishing a discrete element simulation model of [...] Read more.

This study aimed to design a counter-rotating dual-axis spiral ditcher to address the problems of the lack of ditching models, low ditching quality, and high power consumption in ditching operations in hilly and mountainous orchards. By establishing a discrete element simulation model of the interaction between the dual-spiral cutter and the soil, we analyzed the effects of different operating parameters on the ditching performance and power consumption to explore the mechanism of the interaction between the soil-engaging components and the soil; meanwhile, according to the simulation data, we took the forward speed, cutter speed, and ditching depth as the experimental influencing factors, and we took the ditching qualification rate and power consumption as the experimental indicators. Then, through a three-factor and three-level orthogonal experimental analysis, we obtained the optimal parameter combination. Based on the optimized simulation results, a prototype ditcher was fabricated, and the results of a soil trough test showed that the ditcher had a stable ditching performance, an average ditching qualification rate of 91.4%, an average soil crushing rate of 72%, and a ditching adjustment structure that could adjust the ditching depth and width within the ranges of 15–25 cm and 10–20 cm, respectively. The optimized ditcher had high efficiency, stability, and energy savings during its operation, and it was able to meet the agronomic requirements for ditching operations. This study provides a design basis and technical support for dual-spiral trial ditching operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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24 pages, 6495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Testing of a Directional Clamping and Reverse Breaking Device for Corn Straw

by Xun He, Xudong Fan, Wenhe Wei, Zhe Qu, Jingzhao Shi, Hongmei Zhang and Bo Chen

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1506; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081506 - 27 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1535

Abstract

Realizing high-quality and increased production of fresh corn and promoting diversified development of the corn industry structure not only can effectively promote the development of agricultural economy, but also can enrich people’s dietary culture. However, existing fresh corn machinery has a high rate [...] Read more.

Realizing high-quality and increased production of fresh corn and promoting diversified development of the corn industry structure not only can effectively promote the development of agricultural economy, but also can enrich people’s dietary culture. However, existing fresh corn machinery has a high rate of ear damage during the harvesting process, and the overall harvesting efficiency is not ideal. To reduce damage during the harvesting of fresh corn, a device for breaking ears of fresh corn was designed based on the directional clamping of corn straw reverse breaking method. Based on the physico-mechanical characteristics parameters of fresh corn ears, the main structural parameters of the directional clamping and conveying mechanism and the ear-breaking mechanism were determined. The overall inclination angle of the device was 15°, and the effective conveying length of the directional clamping mechanism was 550 mm; the ear-snapping mechanism was a snapping roll composed of a pair of six radial distribution function fingers, with an effective operating radius of 320 mm. By simulating and analyzing the reverse breaking movement of directional clamping corn straw, the key motion parameter ranges of the directional clamping conveying mechanism and breaking mechanism were obtained. The results of the bench test showed that under the optimal conditions of a directional clamping feeding speed of 1.67 m/s, a breaking wheel speed of 80 rpm, and a travel speed of 1.06 m/s, the lowest ear damage rate was 0.57%, and the lowest impurity rate was 1.87%. In addition, it was observed that flexible harvesting can improve harvest efficiency and quality. The study also found that actively applying force to the device can effectively avoid the problem of machine blockage and reduce the damage rate of ears (the following text uses ears instead of fresh corn ears). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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17 pages, 1435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability Study of an Intelligent Profiling Progressive Automatic Glue Cutter Based on the Improved FMECA Method

by Heng Zhang, Yaya Chen, Jingyu Cong, Junxiao Liu, Zhifu Zhang and Xirui Zhang

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081475 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1239

Abstract

This study introduces the fuzzy theory approach as an enhancement to the traditional failure mode, effect, and criticality analysis (FMECA) method in order to address its limitations, which primarily stem from subjectivity and a lack of quantitative analysis. The proposed method, referred to [...] Read more.

This study introduces the fuzzy theory approach as an enhancement to the traditional failure mode, effect, and criticality analysis (FMECA) method in order to address its limitations, which primarily stem from subjectivity and a lack of quantitative analysis. The proposed method, referred to as FMECA improvement based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, aims to quantify the qualitative aspect of the analysis and provides a detailed outline of the analysis procedure. By applying the enhanced FMECA method to assess the reliability of an intelligent profiling progressive automatic rubber cutter, the hazard ranking for each failure mode of the cutter can be determined, thereby identifying areas that require reliability improvement. The analysis outcomes demonstrate that this method establishes a theoretical foundation for subsequent cutter improvement designs, enables early identification of potential failures, and consequently leads to a reduced failure rate and an enhanced reliability level for the intelligent profiling progressive automatic cutter. Furthermore, this innovative agricultural equipment reliability analysis and testing approach holds significant value in elevating the reliability standards of agricultural equipment as a whole and can be explored and implemented in other agricultural machinery contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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20 pages, 5839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extrapolation of Tractor Traction Resistance Load Spectrum and Compilation of Loading Spectrum Based on Optimal Threshold Selection Using a Genetic Algorithm

by Meng Yang, Xiaoxu Sun, Xiaoting Deng, Zhixiong Lu and Tao Wang

Agriculture 2023, 13(6), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061133 - 28 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1510

Abstract

To obtain the load spectrum of the traction resistance of the three-point suspension device under tractor-plowing conditions, a load spectrum extrapolation method based on a genetic algorithm optimal threshold selection is proposed. This article first uses a pin force sensor to measure the [...] Read more.

To obtain the load spectrum of the traction resistance of the three-point suspension device under tractor-plowing conditions, a load spectrum extrapolation method based on a genetic algorithm optimal threshold selection is proposed. This article first uses a pin force sensor to measure the plowing resistance of the tractor’s three-point suspension device under plowing conditions and preprocesses the collected load signal. Next, a genetic algorithm is introduced to select the threshold based on the Peak Over Threshold (POT) extremum extrapolation model. The Generalized Pareto Distribution (GPD) fits the extreme load distribution that exceeds the threshold range, generating new extreme points that follow the GPD distribution to replace the extreme points in the original data, achieving the extrapolation of the load spectrum. Finally, the loading spectrum that can be achieved on the test bench is obtained based on the miner fatigue theory and accelerated life theory. The results show that the upper threshold of the time-domain load data obtained by the genetic algorithm is 10.975 kN, and the grey correlation degree is 0.7249. The optimal lower threshold is 8.5455 kN, the grey correlation degree is 0.7722, and the fitting effect of the GPD distribution is good. The plowing operation was divided into five stages: plowing tool insertion, acceleration operation, constant speed operation, deceleration operation, and plowing tool extraction. A traction resistance loading spectrum that can be achieved on the test bench was developed. The load spectrum extrapolation method based on the genetic algorithm optimal threshold selection can improve the accuracy of threshold selection and achieve the extrapolation and reconstruction of the load spectrum. After processing the extrapolated load spectrum, it can be transformed into a load spectrum that can be recognized by the test bench. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Optimization and Analysis of Agricultural Machinery)

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