Batch Grain Unloading Control for Multi-Combine Idle Time Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inefficient batch unloading operations in farming lead to idle time for harvesting machines due to biased operator decisions, resulting in suboptimal logistics and reduced harvesting efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that monitors and communicates operational parameters among harvesting machines and collection vehicles to determine optimal batch unloading quantities and order, minimizing idle time by strategically coordinating unloading operations and automating the unloading process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If operators unload large batches to maximize their header operation time, then individual operator productivity is improved, but other combines experience increased idle time and overall system efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual header operation timeVSAvoididle time for other combines

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors operational parameters from multiple harvesting machines and the collection vehicle, creating a feedback loop that enables real-time coordination. The collection vehicle controller receives data from all combines and adjusts batch unloading quantities dynamically based on current system state, preventing any single operator from monopolizing the collection vehicle and causing idle time for other combines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of batch unloading quantity from a fixed operator-determined value to a dynamically adjusted value based on real-time monitoring of multiple combines' operational parameters. This allows the system to optimize unloading quantities to minimize idle time across all combines while maintaining overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If automated control systems are implemented to optimize batch unloading, then harvesting efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvesting efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collection vehicle controller serves as an intermediary that receives operational parameters from multiple harvesting machines and automatically determines optimal batch unloading quantities. This centralized intermediary simplifies the control architecture compared to each combine having independent control, while still achieving automated optimization of the entire harvesting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the collection vehicle to automatically manage its own loading operations by receiving parameters from combines and autonomously determining optimal unloading quantities and timing. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex coordination protocols and manual intervention, improving efficiency while keeping the control system manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11533845B2Method of unloading batch grain quantities for harvesting machines

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 AGCO CORP

AI summary

An apparatus is presented that receives first and second parameters including first parameters from plural harvesting machines, determines a batch unload for a specified quantity of material to unload from each of the harvesting machines, requests permission to receive the batch unload from one of the harvesting machines, and communicates a control signal to trigger the requested batch unload from the one of the harvesting machines.