Blockage Control System for Agricultural Dispensing Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural machines face challenges in efficiently detecting and addressing blockages during material application, as existing blockage detection systems only alert operators without providing clear location information or automated remediation strategies, leading to inefficiencies in reapplication of materials and potential yield losses.

Innovation Solution

A blockage control system that identifies the initial blockage location, characterizes the blockage, and generates control signals to automatically steer the machine back to the affected area, selectively activate row units, and prevent re-treatment of already applied areas, using a combination of sensors and processors to analyze blockage extent and yield impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a blockage detector is used to alert operators, then blockage detection capability is improved, but the system provides no location information or automated remediation, leading to operational inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblockage detection capabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by using sensors to detect blockages and automatically providing location information to the operator. The blockage location identifier determines and communicates the specific location where blockage occurred, enabling targeted remediation without manual inspection of entire conduits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically identifying and communicating blockage locations without requiring operator intervention for detection. The blockage control system autonomously processes sensor data and generates location information, reducing the burden on operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the machine continues operating after blockage, then productivity is maintained, but yield loss increases due to incomplete material application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidyield loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary action by detecting blockages in real-time and immediately identifying their locations before significant yield loss occurs. This enables timely intervention to clear blockages and resume normal material application, preventing extensive incomplete coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Real-time feedback from blockage detectors allows the system to monitor material application effectiveness continuously. When blockages are detected, the system immediately provides location information, enabling operators to address issues before they cause substantial yield loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If manual inspection of conduits is performed to locate blockages, then blockage location is identified, but time and operational efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblockage location informationVSAvoidtime for locating blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical inspection with automated sensor-based detection. Sensors mounted along conduits automatically detect blockages and electronically communicate their locations, eliminating the need for operators to manually inspect each conduit section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The blockage location identifier acts as an intermediary between the physical blockage and the operator. It processes sensor data and translates it into meaningful location information, bridging the gap between the blockage event and operator awareness without requiring direct manual inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Quantity of substance

If reapplication of material is performed without precise location data, then coverage is improved, but over-treatment of already applied areas occurs, wasting material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial application coverageVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by providing precise location information about where blockages occurred. This enables operators to target reapplication efforts specifically to affected areas rather than treating the entire field, ensuring material is applied only where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the field into treated and untreated areas based on blockage location data. By dividing the application area according to actual needs identified by blockage sensors, the system optimizes material distribution and prevents redundant application in already covered zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11818976B2Agricultural machine control based on sensed blockage distance

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A dispensing machine dispenses a material on a field. A blockage is detected, and an initial blockage location, where the blockage started, is identified. A blockage characterization system identifies characteristics of the blockage, and a control signal generator generates control signals based upon the detected blockage, and the characteristics of the blockage.