Baffle Plate Camera Layout for Accurate Crop Throughput Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices for self-propelled agricultural machines, such as combine harvesters, suffer from a compactness and cost-effectiveness issue due to the positioning and design of components that disrupt crop flow and cannot generate high-contrast images of the harvested crop.
Innovation Solution
A camera device is integrated into a baffle plate against which the crop flow impacts, with a throughput measuring device connected to the camera, allowing for a compact and cost-effective design that captures high-contrast images and measures grain throughput by positioning the deflector plate optimally relative to the crop flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a window is fixed to the baffle plate in a cutout and protrudes into the flow path, then light can be transmitted for spectroscopic measurement, but the window disturbs the crop flow and causes undesirable turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the window from the baffle plate structure entirely, extracting the problematic component that caused turbulence. Instead, the baffle plate is designed as a solid structure with the camera device integrated into it, eliminating the window cutout and protruding element that disturbed the crop flow while maintaining measurement capability through the camera's optical sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical window structure with an optical sensor (camera device) that can detect light without requiring a physical window opening in the baffle plate. This substitution eliminates the mechanical disturbance to the crop flow while maintaining the ability to perform spectroscopic measurements through non-contact optical detection.
2Measurement precision
If a spectrometer is used for throughput measurement, then crop flow rate can be measured, but the spectrometer cannot generate an image series of the harvested crop flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a camera device that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it captures image series of the crop flow for visual analysis and broken grain detection, while also enabling throughput measurement through spectroscopic capabilities. This multi-functional device replaces the single-function spectrometer, providing both imaging and measurement capabilities in one system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera device to create optical copies (images) of the crop flow, which can then be analyzed to determine throughput and other parameters. This copying approach allows non-contact measurement of the crop flow characteristics while preserving the ability to visualize and analyze the actual crop particles, something a traditional spectrometer cannot achieve.
3Measurement precision
If the camera device is positioned to capture high-contrast images, then image quality improves, but the positioning and design of components may disrupt crop flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera device with the baffle plate structure, integrating the imaging function into the existing flow control component. This integration allows the camera to be positioned optimally for capturing high-contrast images of the crop flow while the baffle plate itself manages the flow dynamics, combining flow control and imaging functions in a unified structure that minimizes disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the camera device specifically at the point where the crop flow impacts the baffle plate, utilizing the local impact zone for optimal imaging. This localized positioning allows high-contrast images to be captured at the point of maximum crop-baffle interaction, while the rest of the baffle plate structure maintains its flow control function without requiring additional disruptive components.
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 configuration enables optimal image capture and accurate measurement of grain throughput, preventing dust accumulation and turbulence while enhancing the efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
light reflected from the crop flow passes through the window onto the dispersive element
Implementation Method 2
The position of the baffle plate depends on the crop flow rate and is detected by the throughput measuring device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-propelled agricultural machine (1) for receiving crops (2) and for processing and conveying a crop flow (3) formed from the received crops (2), and to a measuring device (4) for this self-propelled agricultural machine (1). The present invention is based on the general concept that a camera device (5) is arranged at least partially in and/or on a baffle plate (7) against which the crop flow (3) impacts during operation of the self-propelled agricultural machine (1).