Capacitive Sensing of Forage Flow for Even Chopping Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled forage harvesters often receive harvested material with uneven and non-rectangular cross-sectional distribution, leading to inferior chopping quality and uneven wear of components due to the M-shaped flow of material.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled forage harvester equipped with a measuring device featuring electrodes arranged in the intermediate channel to form capacitors, which determine electrical capacitances to measure transverse distribution, allowing actuators to adjust the flow for an even and rectangular cross-sectional distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If harvested material is delivered in a conventional manner without distribution control, then the feeding process is simple, but the cross-sectional distribution becomes uneven and M-shaped leading to inferior chopping quality
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensors measure the transverse distribution of harvested material in advance before it reaches the chopping mechanism. This preliminary measurement allows the control system to predict and correct distribution issues before they affect chopping quality, ensuring even material flow to the blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses capacitive sensors to continuously monitor the transverse distribution of harvested material and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the delivery mechanism in real-time to maintain even cross-sectional distribution, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes chopping quality.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If harvested material flows with uneven cross-sectional distribution, then the feeding process is simpler, but component wear becomes uneven reducing usable life
Solution Approach 1:
Capacitive sensors continuously monitor material distribution and provide feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the delivery mechanism to maintain even cross-sectional flow. This real-time feedback ensures uniform loading on stationary components like crack rollers and housing, preventing uneven wear and extending their service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and adjusts material distribution without manual intervention. The control unit self-regulates the delivery mechanism based on sensor feedback, maintaining optimal conditions for component longevity while eliminating the need for operator attention to distribution issues.
3Measurement precision
If no measurement device is installed, then the device structure is simpler, but the transverse distribution of harvested material cannot be determined or optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement devices with capacitive sensors that electrically measure transverse distribution. These sensors detect changes in capacitance caused by the dielectric properties of harvested material, providing precise measurement without mechanical contact or complex moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures transverse distribution by detecting changes in electrical capacitance parameters rather than using mechanical dimensions. The capacitive sensors exploit the dielectric properties of harvested material to convert physical distribution into electrical signals, enabling precise measurement through parameter transformation.
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
Improves chopping quality and reduces component wear by optimizing the transverse distribution of harvested material, enhancing the utilization and lifespan of the harvester components.
Implementation Method 1
A measuring device with a plurality of electrodes spaced at a distance from each other that are arranged or positioned in an intermediate channel of a harvested material processing channel of the forage harvester and that form a plurality of capacitors
Implementation Method 2
By measuring electrical capacitances of the plurality of capacitors, delivery-specific parameters and/or material-specific parameters are determined
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled forage harvester and a method for controlling said forage harvester are disclosed. A measuring device of the forage harvester may have a plurality of electrodes spaced at a distance from each other. These electrodes may be arranged or positioned in an intermediate channel of a harvested material processing channel of the forage harvester and may form a plurality of capacitors. Further, delivery-specific parameters and/or material-specific parameters may be discernible from the measurements of the electrical capacitances of the plurality of capacitors.