SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ROTOR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A system for controlling a rotor assembly includes a rotor, a gearbox having a number of shift components, an auxiliary motor, and a speed sensor that generates a speed signal indicative of a current speed of the rotor. The system includes one or more processors that determine whether the number of shift components are in an engaged position and engage the auxiliary motor with the rotor to rotate the rotor if the number of shift components are not in the engaged position. The one or more processors receive the speed signal from the speed sensor after the auxiliary motor is engaged with the rotor and compare the current speed of the rotor with a threshold speed of the rotor. The one or more processors maintain the engagement of the auxiliary motor with the rotor if the current speed of the rotor is below the threshold speed of the rotor.

Claims

1. A system for controlling a rotor assembly for a rotary mixer, the rotor assembly including a rotor, the system comprising: a gearbox operatively coupled to the rotor, the gearbox including a plurality of shift components; an auxiliary motor operatively coupled to the rotor via the gearbox, wherein the auxiliary motor is adapted to selectively rotate the rotor via the gearbox; a speed sensor configured to generate a speed signal indicative of a current speed of the rotor; and a controller including one or more memories and one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are communicably coupled with the one or more memories and the speed sensor, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to: determine whether the plurality of shift components of the gearbox are in an engaged position; engage the auxiliary motor with the rotor to rotate the rotor if the plurality of shift components are not in the engaged position; receive the speed signal indicative of the current speed of the rotor from the speed sensor after the auxiliary motor is engaged with the rotor; compare the current speed of the rotor with a threshold speed of the rotor, wherein the threshold speed of the rotor is stored in the one or more memories; and maintain the engagement of the auxiliary motor with the rotor to rotate the rotor if the current speed of the rotor is below the threshold speed of the rotor.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to disengage the auxiliary motor from the rotor if the current speed of the rotor is above the threshold speed of the rotor.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the speed sensor is configured to measure a rotational speed of the gearbox to generate the speed signal.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising an auxiliary clutch mechanism, an auxiliary belt, and an auxiliary pulley, wherein the auxiliary motor is operatively coupled to the gearbox via the auxiliary clutch mechanism, the auxiliary belt, and the auxiliary pulley.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the auxiliary clutch mechanism is adapted to selectively couple and decouple the auxiliary motor from the auxiliary belt and the auxiliary pulley.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the rotor assembly further includes a primary drivetrain operatively coupled to the rotor via the gearbox, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to operate the rotor via the primary drivetrain if the plurality of shift components are in the engaged position.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary motor includes at least one of a hydraulic motor and an electric motor.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one position sensor configured to generate a position signal indicative of the engaged position of the plurality of shift components of the gearbox, wherein the at least one position sensor is communicably coupled with the one or more processors, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine whether the plurality of shift components are in the engaged position based on the position signal received from the at least one position sensor.

9. A rotor assembly for a rotary mixer, the rotor assembly comprising: a rotor including a plurality of cutting tools; a system for controlling the rotor, the system including: a gearbox operatively coupled to the rotor, the gearbox including a plurality of shift components; an auxiliary motor operatively coupled to the rotor via the gearbox, wherein the auxiliary motor is adapted to selectively rotate the rotor via the gearbox; a speed sensor configured to generate a speed signal indicative of a current speed of the rotor; and a controller including one or more memories and one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are communicably coupled with the one or more memories and the speed sensor, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to: determine whether the plurality of shift components of the gearbox are in an engaged position; engage the auxiliary motor with the rotor to rotate the rotor if the plurality of shift components are not in the engaged position; receive the speed signal indicative of the current speed of the rotor from the speed sensor after the auxiliary motor is engaged with the rotor; compare the current speed of the rotor with a threshold speed of the rotor, wherein the threshold speed of the rotor is stored in the one or more memories; and maintain the engagement of the auxiliary motor with the rotor to rotate the rotor if the current speed of the rotor is below the threshold speed of the rotor.

10. The rotor assembly of claim 9, wherein the one or more processors are configured to disengage the auxiliary motor from the rotor if the current speed of the rotor is above the threshold speed of the rotor.

11. The rotor assembly of claim 9, wherein the speed sensor is configured to measure a rotational speed of the gearbox to generate the speed signal.

12. The rotor assembly of claim 9, wherein the system further includes an auxiliary clutch mechanism, an auxiliary belt, and an auxiliary pulley, and wherein the auxiliary motor is operatively coupled to the gearbox via the auxiliary clutch mechanism, the auxiliary belt, and the auxiliary pulley.

13. The rotor assembly of claim 12, wherein the auxiliary clutch mechanism is adapted to selectively couple and decouple the auxiliary motor from the auxiliary belt and the auxiliary pulley.

14. The rotor assembly of claim 9 further comprising a primary drivetrain operatively coupled to the rotor via the gearbox, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to operate the rotor via the primary drivetrain if the plurality of shift components are in the engaged position.

15. The rotor assembly of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary motor includes at least one of a hydraulic motor and an electric motor.

16. The rotor assembly of claim 9, wherein the system further includes at least one position sensor configured to generate a position signal indicative of the engaged position of the plurality of shift components of the gearbox, wherein the at least one position sensor is communicably coupled with the one or more processors, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine whether the plurality of shift components are in the engaged position based on the position signal received from the at least one position sensor.

17. A method of controlling a rotor assembly for a rotary mixer, the rotor assembly including a rotor and a gearbox operatively coupled to the rotor, the method comprising: determining, by one or more processors of a controller, whether a plurality of shift components of the gearbox are in an engaged position; engaging, by the one or more processors, an auxiliary motor of the rotor assembly with the rotor to rotate the rotor if the plurality of shift components are not in the engaged position, wherein the auxiliary motor is operatively coupled with the rotor via the gearbox; receiving, by the one or more processors, a speed signal indicative of a current speed of the rotor from a speed sensor after the auxiliary motor is engaged with the rotor; comparing, by the one or more processors, the current speed of the rotor with a threshold speed of the rotor, wherein the threshold speed of the rotor is stored in one or more memories of the controller, and wherein the one or more memories are communicably coupled with the one or more processors; and maintaining, by the one or more processors, the engagement of the auxiliary motor with the rotor to rotate the rotor if the current speed of the rotor is below the threshold speed of the rotor.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising disengaging, by the one or more processors, the auxiliary motor from the rotor if the current speed of the rotor is above the threshold speed of the rotor.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising generating, by the speed sensor, the speed signal indicative of the current speed of the rotor, wherein the speed sensor is configured to measure a rotational speed of the gearbox to generate the speed signal.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the rotor assembly further includes a primary drivetrain operatively coupled to the rotor via the gearbox, the method further comprising operating, by the one or more processors, the rotor via the primary drivetrain if the plurality of shift components are in the engaged position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary rotary mixer including a rotor assembly;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rotor assembly of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the rotor assembly of FIG. 2 depicting a layout of different drivetrain components;

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a system for controlling the rotor assembly for the rotary mixer of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the system of FIG. 4;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for a process of controlling the rotor assembly of FIGS. 1 to 3, according to an example of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for a method of controlling the rotor assembly for the rotary mixer of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary rotary mixer 100. The rotary mixer 100 may be used to grind off or otherwise mill a portion of a ground surface, such as, roads, pavements, or other surfaces. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the rotary mixer 100 and alternatively may include other types of work machines such as, but not limited to, milling machines, paving machines, cold planers, and the like, that includes a rotor.

[0018] The rotary mixer 100 includes a frame 102, a front end 104, and a rear end 106 opposite to the front end 104. The frame 102 supports various components of the rotary mixer 100 thereon. The frame 102 defines an enclosure 108 proximate to the front end 104. The rotary mixer 100 also includes a power source 110 disposed within the enclosure 108. Various components of the rotary mixer 100 are operated by the power source 110. The power source 110 may be an engine, such as, an internal combustion engine, a fuel cell, or a battery system, without any limitations.

[0019] The rotary mixer 100 includes an operator cabin 112. An operator may be seated within the operator cabin 112 to perform and/or observe work operations. The rotary mixer 100 further includes a pair of front wheels 114 and a pair of rear wheels 116 that are mounted to the frame 102. Particularly, the pair of front wheels 114 are disposed at the front end 104 of the rotary mixer 100 and the pair of rear wheels 116 are disposed at the rear end 106 of the rotary mixer 100. The front and rear wheels 114, 116 support the frame 102 of the rotary mixer 100 and allow the rotary mixer 100 to travel over the ground surface.

[0020] The rotary mixer 100 further includes a mixing chamber 118 disposed between the pair of front wheels 114 and the pair of rear wheels 116. However, it will be understood the mixing chamber 118 may be positioned at an alternative location on the rotary mixer 100. The mixing chamber 118 defines a housing or other such enclosure for accommodating a rotor assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the rotor assembly 200 includes a rotor 202. The rotor 202 includes a number of cutting tools (not shown herein). The number of cutting tools radially extend from an outer surface of the rotor 202 and may engage the ground surface being worked. Specifically, the cutting tools may allow the rotor assembly 200 to remove and/or mix materials during work operations. FIG. 2 also illustrates a system 206 for controlling the rotor assembly 200 for the rotary mixer 100 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the rotor assembly 200 includes the system 206 for controlling the rotor 202. The system 206 includes a gearbox 208 operatively coupled to the rotor 202. In an example, the rotor 202 may be a hollow structure that defines an interior cavity 204 that may partially house the gearbox 208. The gearbox 208 includes a number of shift components 209 (schematically shown in FIG. 5). The shift components 209 may embody a planetary gear arrangement arranged inside the gearbox 208. It should be noted that the gearbox 208 may rotate the rotor 202 at a predetermined speed that can be achieved through different gear ratios obtainable through the gearbox 208. The rotor assembly 200 also includes a bearing assembly 238. As such, the gearbox 208 and the bearing assembly 238 may be, at least partially, housed or otherwise contained within the interior cavity 204 of the rotor 202. The rotor assembly 200 further includes a drivetrain housing 240 that is disposed adjacent to the rotor 202.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotor assembly 200 includes a primary drivetrain 210 operatively coupled to the rotor 202 via the gearbox 208. The primary drivetrain 210 is disposed within the drivetrain housing 240. In some examples, the primary drivetrain 210 may include a main clutch 212 coupled to the power source 110 (see FIG. 1), a drive belt 214, and one or more pulleys 216. In some examples, the one or more pulleys 216 may include a drive pulley attached to the main clutch 212 and a driven pulley attached to the gearbox 209 and operably coupled with the drive pulley. The main clutch 212 is operably coupled to the power source 110 by an input drive shaft (not shown). The main clutch 212 and the pulleys 216 are operably coupled by the drive belt 214 to transfer power generated by the power source 110 through the main clutch 212 to the pulleys 216 and to the rotor 202.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 4, the system 206 also includes an auxiliary motor 220 operatively coupled to the rotor 202 (see FIG. 2) via the gearbox 208. The auxiliary motor 220 selectively rotates the rotor 202 via the gearbox 208. In some examples, the auxiliary motor 220 includes a hydraulic motor or an electric motor. In an example, the auxiliary motor 220 may include a clutched hydraulic motor.

[0024] The system 206 also includes an auxiliary clutch mechanism 222, an auxiliary belt 224, and an auxiliary pulley 226. The auxiliary motor 220 is operatively coupled to the gearbox 208 via the auxiliary clutch mechanism 222, the auxiliary belt 224, and the auxiliary pulley 226. The auxiliary clutch mechanism 222 selectively couples and decouples the auxiliary motor 220 from the auxiliary belt 224 and the auxiliary pulley 226. In other words, the auxiliary clutch mechanism 222 selectively couples and decouples the auxiliary motor 220 from the auxiliary belt 224 and the auxiliary pulley 226 to rotate the rotor 202 via the gearbox 208. Further, the pulleys 216 may be concentric with the auxiliary pulley 226.

[0025] When the auxiliary clutch mechanism 222 is disengaged, the auxiliary clutch mechanism 222 may allow the auxiliary pulley 226 and the auxiliary belt 224 to rotate somewhat independently of the auxiliary motor 220. In this state, the main clutch 212 (see FIG. 3) may power the rotation of the rotor 202 without interference by the auxiliary motor 220. Further, when the auxiliary clutch mechanism 222 is engaged, the auxiliary motor 220 may rotate with the auxiliary pulley 226. When the auxiliary motor 220 is energized to rotate the rotor 202, the auxiliary clutch mechanism 222 may be engaged automatically to couple the auxiliary motor 220 to the auxiliary pulley 226 via the auxiliary belt 224. In some examples, the auxiliary belt 224 may be v-shaped, flat, corrugated, cog-type, or even a chain, based on application attributes. In some examples, the auxiliary pulley 226 may have corresponding geometry that meshes with the auxiliary belt 224 to transfer torque with little or no slipping.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram of the system 206 for controlling the rotor assembly 200 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) for the rotary mixer 100 of FIG. 1 is illustrated. The system 206 includes a speed sensor 228. The speed sensor 228 generates a speed signal S1 indicative of a current speed of the rotor 202 (see FIG. 2). In an example, the speed sensor 228 measures a rotational speed of the gearbox 208 to generate the speed signal S1. Alternatively, the speed sensor 228 may measure a rotational speed of the rotor 202. In some examples the speed sensor 228 may include a tachometer, an encoder, a magnetic sensor, a hall effect sensor, and the like. The present disclosure is not limited by a type of the speed sensor 228 or a technique of measuring the speed of the rotor 202.

[0027] The system 206 also includes a controller 230 including one or more memories 232 and one or more processors 234. The one or more processors 234 are communicably coupled with the one or more memories 232 and the speed sensor 228. The one or more memories 232 store a threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202. The threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202 is a speed at which it is known to be safe to operate the rotary mixer 100. The one or more memories 232 may include any means of storing information, including a hard disk, an optical disk, a floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), or other computer-readable memory media.

[0028] It should be noted that the one or more processors 234 may embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors for receiving various input signals and generating output signals. Numerous commercially available microprocessors may perform the functions of the one or more processors 234. Each processor 234 may further include a general processor, a central processing unit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital circuit, an analog circuit, a microcontroller, any other type of processor, or any combination thereof. Each processor 234 may include one or more components that may be operable to execute computer executable instructions or computer code that may be stored and retrieved from the one or more memories 232.

[0029] The system 206 further includes one or more position sensors 236. The one or more position sensors 236 generate a position signal S2 indicative of an engaged position of the number of shift components 209 of the gearbox 208. The one or more position sensors 236 are communicably coupled with the one or more processors 234. In some examples, the one or more position sensors 236 may include at least one of an inductive position sensor, a linear position sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a rotary position sensor, and the like.

[0030] The one or more processors 234 determine whether the number of shift components 209 of the gearbox 208 are in the engaged position. Particularly, the one or more processors 234 determine whether the number of shift components 209 are in the engaged position based on the position signal S2 received from the one or more position sensors 236. The one or more processors 234 engage the auxiliary motor 220 with the rotor 202 to rotate the rotor 202 if the number of shift components 209 are not in the engaged position. Specifically, the one or more processors 234 may engage the auxiliary clutch mechanism 222 (see FIG. 4), such that the auxiliary pulley 226 (see FIG. 4) may transmit the rotation of the auxiliary motor 220 through the gearbox 208 to the rotor 202. When the auxiliary motor 220 is engaged with the rotor 202, the auxiliary motor 220 rotates the rotor 202 via the gearbox 208 at a starting speed or a slower speed. It should be noted that, when the auxiliary motor 220 is engaged with the rotor 202, the primary drivetrain 210 (see FIG. 3) is disengaged from the gearbox 208.

[0031] However, the one or more processors 234 operate the rotor 202 via the primary drivetrain 210 if the number of shift components 209 are in the engaged position. Specifically, based on the receipt of the position signal S2, if the processors 234 determine that the shift components 209 are fully engaged, the processors 234 control the primary drivetrain 210 to operate the rotor 202 via the primary drivetrain 210. It should be noted that, when the primary drivetrain 210 is engaged with the rotor 202, the auxiliary motor 220 is disengaged from the gearbox 208.

[0032] Further, the one or more processors 234 receive the speed signal S1 indicative of the current speed of the rotor 202 from the speed sensor 228 after the auxiliary motor 220 is engaged with the rotor 202. The one or more processors 234 compare the current speed of the rotor 202 with the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202. Specifically, the processor 234 retrieve the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202 from the memories 232 to compare the current speed of the rotor 202 with the threshold speed T1. The one or more processors 234 maintain the engagement of the auxiliary motor 220 with the rotor 202 to rotate the rotor 202 if the current speed of the rotor 202 is below the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202. Further, the one or more processors 234 disengage the auxiliary motor 220 from the rotor 202 if the current speed of the rotor 202 is above the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202. Thus, the rotor 202 is operated by the auxiliary motor 220 until the current speed of the rotor 202 is equal to the threshold speed T1. Once the current speed of the rotor 202 is above the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202, the processors 234 disengage the auxiliary motor 220 from the rotor 202.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a process (or an algorithm) flowchart 400 for controlling the rotor assembly 200 for the rotary mixer of FIG. 1. The process 400 is an implementation of the system 206 described in relation to FIGS. 2 to 5. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the process 400 may be stored in the one or more memories 232 of the controller 230 and retrieved for execution by the one or more processors 234 of the controller 230.

[0034] The process 400 starts at a block 402 at which the one or more processors 234 determine whether the number of shift components 209 of the gearbox 208 are in the engaged position based on receipt of the position signal S2 from the position sensor 236.

[0035] At the block 402, if the one or more processors 234 determine that the shift components 209 are in the engaged position, the process 400 moves to a block 404, at which the one or more processors 234 operate the rotor 202 via the primary drivetrain 210.

[0036] However, at the block 402, if the one or more processors 234 determine that the shift components 209 are not in the engaged position, the process 400 moves to a block 406, at which the one or more processors 234 engage the auxiliary motor 220 with the rotor 202 to rotate the rotor 202.

[0037] From the block 406, the process 400 moves to a block 408, at which the one or more processors 234 receive the speed signal S1 indicative of the current speed of the rotor 202 from the speed sensor 228. The speed signal S1 is received after the auxiliary motor 220 is engaged with the rotor 202.

[0038] From the block 408, the process 400 moves to a block 410, at which the one or more processors 234 compare the current speed of the rotor 202 with the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202 to determine if the current speed of the rotor 202 is below the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202.

[0039] At the block 410, if the one or more processors 234 determine that the current speed of the rotor 202 is below the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202, the process 400 moves to a block 412, at which the one or more processors 234 keep the auxiliary motor 220 in operation, in order to maintain the engagement of the auxiliary motor 220 with the rotor 202 to rotate the rotor 202. Further, from the block 412 the process 400 reverts back to the block 410, at which the one or more processors 234 again compare the current speed of the rotor 202 with the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202, thereby forming a closed-loop.

[0040] However, at the block 410, if the one or more processors 234 determine that the current speed of the rotor 202 is above the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202, the process 400 moves to a block 414, at which the one or more processors 234 disengage the auxiliary motor 220 from the rotor 202.

[0041] From the block 414, the process 400 reverts back to the block 402, thereby forming a closed-loop.

[0042] It is to be understood that individual features shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with individual features shown or described for another embodiment. The above described implementation does not in any way limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of the present disclosure in the context of functional segments, such features may be omitted from the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0043] The present disclosure describes the system 206 for controlling the rotor assembly 200 for the rotary mixer 100. As one specific example, the teachings of the present disclosure can be used in the design and manufacturing of rotary mixers, and specifically the start-up of rotary mixers in a safe and reliable manner that does not cause damage thereto. The system 206 includes the auxiliary motor 220 operatively coupled to the rotor 202 via the gearbox 208. The auxiliary motor 220 selectively rotates the rotor 202 via the gearbox 208, when the shift components 209 of the gearbox 208 are not fully engaged. The auxiliary motor 220 may rotate the rotor 202 at a slower speed and at a much lower torque, when compared to a normal rotor operation. The normal rotor operation may be defined as an operation of the rotor 202 via the primary drivetrain 210.

[0044] Further, the one or more processors 234 operate the rotor 202 via the primary drivetrain 210 if the number of shift components 209 are in the engaged position. Thus, the one or more processors 234 may prevent rotation of the rotor 202 via the primary drivetrain 210 if the number of shift components 209 are not fully engaged, thereby preventing damage of the shift components 209. In other words, the system 206 described herein overcomes the problem of starting the rotor 202 without the gearbox 208, the main clutch 212, and the shift components 209 being fully engaged to prevent wear and damage to the rotary mixer 100. Use of the auxiliary motor 220 may eliminate wear of the main clutch 212 that may happen if conventional methods are used to align and engage the shift components 209. Further, the auxiliary motor 220 may simplify the process of aligning the shift components 209 during start-up of the rotor 202. Furthermore, the system 206 of the present disclosure may solve the problem of misalignments of the shift components 209 during the start-up of the rotor 202 using a simple arrangement of components.

[0045] Moreover, the system 206 may reduce servicing and maintenance costs associated with the rotary mixer 100 and may improve performance of the rotary mixer 100. The system 206 described herein may be cost-effective, may be retrofitted in existing rotary mixers, and may improve operating time of the rotary mixer 100.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method 500 of controlling the rotor assembly 200 for the rotary mixer 100. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the rotor assembly 200 includes the rotor 202 and the gearbox 208 operatively coupled to the rotor 202. The rotor assembly 200 further includes the primary drivetrain 210 operatively coupled to the rotor 202 via the gearbox 208. At step 502, the one or more processors 234 of the controller 230 determine whether the number of shift components 209 of the gearbox 208 are in the engaged position.

[0047] At step 504, the one or more processors 234 engage the auxiliary motor 220 of the rotor assembly 200 with the rotor 202 to rotate the rotor 202 if the number of shift components 209 are not in the engaged position. The auxiliary motor 220 is operatively coupled with the rotor 202 via the gearbox 208.

[0048] The method 500 further includes a step at which the speed sensor 228 generates the speed signal S1 indicative of the current speed of the rotor 202. The speed sensor 228 measures the rotational speed of the gearbox 208 to generate the speed signal S1.

[0049] At step 506, the one or more processors 234 receive the speed signal S1 indicative of the current speed of the rotor 202 from the speed sensor 228 after the auxiliary motor 220 is engaged with the rotor 202.

[0050] At step 508, the one or more processors 234 compare the current speed of the rotor 202 with the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202. The threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202 is stored in the one or more memories 232 of the controller 230. The one or more memories 232 are communicably coupled with the one or more processors 234.

[0051] At step 510, the one or more processors 234 maintain the engagement of the auxiliary motor 220 with the rotor 202 to rotate the rotor 202 if the current speed of the rotor 202 is below the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202.

[0052] The method 500 further includes a step at which the one or more processors 234 disengage the auxiliary motor 220 from the rotor 202 if the current speed of the rotor 202 is above the threshold speed T1 of the rotor 202.

[0053] The method 500 further includes a step at which the one or more processors 234 operate the rotor 202 via the primary drivetrain 210 if the number of shift components 209 are in the engaged position.

[0054] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed work machine, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.