Performance analysis of a spring-tooth drum pickup of straw baler via coupling simulation

In order to solve the problem of poor working performance due to incidental picking-up loss of a spring-tooth drum pickup, the coupling analysis approach of Automated Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems (ADAMS) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) was proposed to reveal its motion characteristics. The coupled ADAMS-DEM method was used to construct the pickup simulation model with rice straw as the object. The validation tests were carried out in the field with different operating forward speeds and straw coverages. The results showed that when the baler worked with a rake, the straw loss rate tended to rise with the increase of the operating speed and the straw coverage. Tests results indicated periodic peaks and valleys of the forces between the rollers and the track chute, which could increase the wear of the track chute. In addition, the movement and variation of the straw and the distribution of different straw lengths after picking up were analyzed. The research results can provide a reference for the design and optimization of a pickup in the later period.