1 Disc Mower Optimization Customer: Rich Adams, New Holland Mission: To design, assemble, and test a system which will reduce streaking by optimizing blade angle, lifter angle and shroud shape through testing and analysis. Advisor: Dr. Valery Roy Team Number:98.09 Members:Michelle Mattera Joseph Salvia Tiffany StithBob Ward Approach: Using TQD, evaluate and modify existing design based on prioritized wants and constraints.

2 Customers: b New Holland Rich Adams:Project EngineerRich Adams:Project Engineer Ken McLean:Design EngineerKen McLean:Design Engineer Joe Griffiths:MarketingJoe Griffiths:Marketing b Chris Peters:Brim Tractor Co. b Ray Coates:Farmer b OSHA

3 Benefits of Solution b b More even cutting of crops b b Cost savings to the end user b b Competitive advantage b b Increased versatility of the mower b b More aesthetically pleasing cut

4 Mission Statement: To design, assemble and test a system which will reduce the amount of streaking of the New Holland disc mower by optimizing one of the following: Blade Angle Lifter Angle / Lifter Shape Shroud Shape

5 : Wants:Metrics: b Maintain drive train b Retrofit capability b Minimize cost increase b Minimize noise b User comfort b Dimensions b Dimensions, Power b Percent of cost b dB b dB, Vibration

6 : Wants:Metrics: b Increase durability b No clogging b Easy to maintain b Resistant to corrosion b SAE standard hardware b Lifetime of part (hrs) b Crop flow rate b Down time (hrs) b Operation hours b Fits standard tools

7 Customer Constraints b b Unchanged power requirement b b Must fit within the existing equipment b b Tractor cutting speed unchanged. b b Adjustable cutting height b b Must cut wet or dry crops

8 Benchmarking / Competitors b b Sickle Cutters b b Kuhn Farm Machinery, Inc.

9 Concept Generation b Major Factors Blade AngleBlade Angle Lifter AngleLifter Angle Shroud shapeShroud shape b Method Velocity profiling with hot wire anemometerVelocity profiling with hot wire anemometer