Autonomous Harvester with Adjustable Guide Units for Narrow Crop Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous single and double row harvesters lack ease of use, efficiency, and the capability to provide real-time data at the plant level, failing to accommodate narrow crop spacings and varying crop sizes effectively.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous single or double row harvester with a main frame supported by wheels or tracks, equipped with GPS for remote control, sensors for real-time data collection, and movable guide units to adjust for different crop sizes, capable of harvesting as close as one inch apart and processing two rows simultaneously, with features like strain gauges, optical cameras, and real-time weighing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional harvesters are used, then harvesting capability is provided, but they cannot accommodate narrow crop spacings of six inches or less
Solution Approach 1:
The harvester is divided into modular components including separate guide units for each row, independent sheller units, and segmented conveyor systems. This segmentation allows the harvester to navigate narrow six-inch crop spacings while maintaining efficient harvesting operations through independent module operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvester employs dynamically adjustable guide units that can move laterally to accommodate varying crop positions and spacings. The guide units are mounted on adjustable frames that can adapt to different row configurations, enabling the system to handle both narrow six-inch spacings and wider configurations efficiently.
2Loss of information
If plant-level data collection is added, then real-time crop analysis capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is integrated into existing structural components of the harvester. Sensors are mounted on the guide units and sheller mechanisms that already exist for harvesting operations, allowing these multi-functional components to simultaneously perform harvesting and data collection without requiring separate dedicated sensor structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvester system automatically collects, processes, and analyzes crop data through integrated sensors and onboard computing. The system self-monitors its own harvesting operations, crop conditions, and performance metrics, eliminating the need for external data collection equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If autonomous operation with GPS control is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harvester replaces manual mechanical control systems with automated GPS-based navigation and control. The GPS system provides precise positioning and autonomous guidance, eliminating the need for operators to manually navigate and control the complex harvesting mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation while the electronic control system manages the complexity.
4Productivity
If dual-row harvesting capability is added, then productivity is improved, but adaptability to different crop sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-row harvester employs dynamically adjustable guide units and sheller mechanisms that can be independently positioned and configured for each row. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to accommodate different crop sizes and spacings in each row while maintaining dual-row harvesting capability, preventing the trade-off between productivity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A plant by plant harvester is provided. The harvester may harvest and analyze single or double rows of crops. The single row harvester may have a first and a second guide unit which surrounds a single row of a crop and directs the single row of the crop into a sheller, picker, or grain/fruit separation unit. In an alternative embodiment of the device, the device may harvest two rows of crops. A GPS or any other location positioning device having an antenna is secured to the top of the main frame and allows the harvester to be remotely controlled. A hopper, container or holding bin may, in real-time, calculate the weight of the separated products. A plurality of sensors may be located on or near the first and/or second guide unit which allows the harvester to, for example, capture data related to the crop at the single plant level.