Combine Cleaning Fan Speed Control via Strain Gauge Crop Load Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural harvesting machine control systems fail to adjust the rotational speed of the cleaning fan in real-time based on the amount of crop material entering the system, leading to potential grain loss as they only respond after grain has been lost.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors, such as strain gauges and torque sensors, that continuously monitor crop load and automatically adjust the cleaning fan speed in response to changes in crop throughput, ensuring the fan speed is proportional to the incoming crop material, thereby minimizing grain loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning fan speed is adjusted based on grain loss sensors at the rear of the combine, then grain loss can be reduced, but the adjustment occurs after grain has already been lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using sensors to detect crop load conditions before the material enters the cleaning system, allowing the control system to adjust fan speed in advance. The strain gauge on the feeder drum pivot pin detects incoming crop load, and the controller pre-adjusts fan speed before the crop reaches the cleaning section, preventing grain loss rather than responding after it occurs.
2Ease of operation
If cleaning fan speed is set at the start based on an estimate of crop throughput, then the system is simple to operate, but the speed cannot be varied in real-time to match changing crop conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting crop load conditions through strain gauges and autonomously adjusting fan speed without operator intervention. The control system continuously monitors the strain condition on the feeder drum pivot pin and self-regulates fan speed to match incoming crop load, maintaining optimal performance while requiring minimal operator input.
3Extent of automation
If strain gauges are installed on the feeder drum pivot pin to detect crop load, then real-time crop load information is available for fan speed control, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the feeder drum pivot pin as an intermediary element that naturally experiences strain proportional to crop load. By placing the strain gauge on this existing structural component rather than adding separate measurement apparatus, the system obtains crop load information through a natural mechanical indicator, reducing overall system complexity while enabling automatic control.
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
The system effectively anticipates and adjusts the cleaning fan speed in real-time to match the amount of crop entering the combine, reducing grain loss by optimizing air flow during varying crop conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more sensors comprise a strain gauge disposed for determining a strain condition on a pivot pin of a feeder drum
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system for varying the rotational fan speed of a combine cleaning system (40) in response to the amount of crop entering the combine cleaning system (40). Increases and decreases in crop material entering the cleaning system (40) are sensed prior to their arrival at the cleaning system (40), and cleaning fan speed is adjusted appropriately and contemporaneously with the crop material's presence in the cleaning system (40).