Combine Harvester Feed Rate Control Using Feed Forward Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters face challenges in maintaining a constant and high feed rate due to variations in crop height, density, and ground speed, leading to potential blockages and inefficiencies in crop processing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with feedback and feed forward sensors to predict and adjust operational settings of the harvester, such as header height and ground speed, to maintain a consistent crop flow by minimizing discrepancies between actual and predicted feed rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If feed rate sensors are used to monitor and adapt operational settings, then crop flow through the harvester is improved, but further improvements are still desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using feed forward sensors to predict future feed rate variations based on current crop conditions before they actually occur. The controller proactively adjusts operational settings in anticipation of feed rate changes, rather than reacting after deviations are detected. This predictive approach allows the system to maintain optimal crop flow by preparing for future variations before they impact processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual feed rate with feedback sensors and comparing it against predicted feed rate from feed forward sensors. The controller uses this feedback loop to detect discrepancies and automatically adjust operational settings, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes crop flow based on real-time performance data and predictive models.
2Productivity
If feed rate is increased to maximize harvesting efficiency, then productivity is improved, but blockages in crop processing parts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by predicting future feed rate variations using feed forward sensors and crop condition data before blockages can occur. The controller proactively adjusts operational parameters in anticipation of potential blockages, maintaining feed rate optimization while preventing disruptions. This predictive control allows the harvester to operate at high productivity levels without risking blockages in crop processing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor actual feed rate and compare it against predicted values. When discrepancies indicate approaching blockage conditions, the controller automatically adjusts operational settings to prevent blockages while maintaining optimal feed rate. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliability is maintained alongside high productivity by continuously adapting to prevent disruptions.
3Productivity
If operational parameters are continuously adapted to feed rate variations, then harvesting efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using feed forward sensors and predictive algorithms to anticipate feed rate variations before they occur. This allows the controller to pre-adjust operational parameters in a more systematic way, reducing the need for continuous reactive adjustments. The predictive model provides a structured approach to parameter adaptation that maintains efficiency while organizing control actions in a more manageable sequence rather than continuous reactive tuning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring feed rate and using this information to refine predictive models and adjust operational parameters. The feedback loop provides structured data that feeds into the control algorithm, enabling more intelligent and organized parameter adaptation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from actual performance and improve its predictive capabilities, making the control system more efficient rather than merely more complex.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural harvester (10), comprising a header (18), a feedback sensor (82) for generating a feedback signal representative of a current feed rate of crop through the harvester (10), a feed forward sensor (84) for generating a feed forward signal representative of a biomass of crop ahead of the header (18), and a controller (100) operably coupled to the feedback sensor (82) and the feed forward sensor (84). The controller (100) determines a predicted feed rate of crop through the harvester (10) based on the feed forward signal and an actual feed rate of crop through the harvester (10) based on the feedback signal. The controller (100) controls an operational setting of the agricultural harvester (10) in dependence of a discrepancy between the predicted feed rate and the actual feed rate.