Adjustable Picking Gap Control for Crop Diameter Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing picking device technologies experience delays in detecting changes in crop diameter, leading to grain losses due to incorrectly set picking gap widths, as the diameter change is only detected when the plant stem is already between the scraper plates.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device is used to determine the presence and diameter of crop stalks before entering the picking gap, allowing for real-time adjustment of the picking gap width, utilizing non-contact detection methods such as capacitive or optical sensing, and mechanical sensing elements to quickly adapt to changing crop properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the picking gap width is adjusted based on pressure force detection by scraper plates, then the picking device adapts to crop diameter changes, but the detection occurs too late causing grain losses due to butt shelling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning sensor devices (capacitive or optical sensors) upstream of the picking gap to detect crop stalk diameter before the stalk enters the picking gap. This early detection enables the control unit to adjust the picking gap width in advance, eliminating the time delay inherent in pressure-based detection methods that only register changes when the stalk is already between the scraper plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure detection system with non-contact sensor devices (capacitive or optical sensors) that measure crop stalk diameter without physical contact. This substitution eliminates the inherent time delay of mechanical detection, as the sensors can detect diameter changes immediately as the stalk approaches, enabling proactive adjustment of the picking gap width before the stalk reaches the stripping plates.
2Device complexity
If a predeterminable picking gap width is used, then the device structure is simple, but crop losses occur when diameter changes are not detected in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a control unit that automatically adjusts the picking gap width based on signals from capacitive or optical sensors. This electronic control system reduces mechanical complexity while improving responsiveness to diameter changes, thereby preventing grain losses without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The picking device applies self-service through automatic control where the control unit continuously receives sensor data about crop stalk diameter and autonomously adjusts the picking gap width without operator intervention. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while maintaining optimal picking conditions to prevent grain losses.
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of picking gap width is used, then the device is simple to operate, but the operator cannot react quickly to changing crop conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the picking device to automatically adjust its own picking gap width based on real-time sensor feedback about crop stalk diameter. The control unit processes sensor signals and autonomously controls the adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for operator intervention while maintaining ease of operation and significantly improving productivity through rapid response to changing crop conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by creating a closed-loop control system where sensor devices continuously monitor crop stalk diameter and transmit signals to the control unit, which then adjusts the picking gap width accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to varying crop conditions, maintaining high productivity without requiring constant operator attention or manual adjustments.
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
This approach reduces crop losses by enabling quicker reactions to changing crop conditions, ensuring optimal picking gap settings and improving harvesting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the crop stalks are detected using a capacitive measuring method. The penetration of a crop stalk into a measuring area causes a signal change that is based on an increase in the measured capacity.
Implementation Method 2
the crop stalks can be detected using an optical measuring method. For example, the duration of the interruption of a light barrier can be recorded.
Implementation Method 3
The deflection of the sensing elements from a definable zero position by the respective stalk, which is picked up by the picking gap downstream of the sensing elements, is detected by sensors.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating a picking device (1) with paired, variable-distance stripping plates (5, 6) between which a picking gap (7) is formed, and with means for drawing crop stems (8) into the picking gap (7), so that fruit clusters ()9) are separated from the crop stems (8) by the stripping plates (5, 6), wherein the diameter of the crop stems (8) is determined before entering the picking gap (7) by means of a sensor device (20) arranged in front of the picking gap (7) and that the width of the picking gap (7) is adjusted depending on the determined diameter value.