Combine Harvester Airflow Control via G and MOG Factor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combine harvesters face challenges in controlling airflow from the blower to achieve even distribution across the threshing and cleaning systems, leading to inefficiencies in separating grain from other materials.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system that includes a collection device to sample grain and non-grain particles, a counting device to measure their amounts, and a computer to adjust the blower airflow based on calculated G and MOG factors, ensuring optimal airstream distribution and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the blower airflow is increased to improve MOG separation, then the entrainment of non-grain particles is enhanced, but grain loss increases due to excessive rearward movement of grain
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback control mechanism where sensors continuously monitor grain and MOG distribution at multiple locations, and the computer adjusts blower airflow based on real-time measurements of G factors and MOG factors, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes separation while minimizing grain loss
Solution Approach 2:
The blower airflow is made dynamically adjustable through computer-controlled variable speed operation, allowing the system to adapt airflow intensity to varying crop conditions, moisture levels, and separation requirements, thereby optimizing performance while preventing excessive grain movement
2Loss of substance
If the blower airflow is decreased to reduce grain loss, then grain rearward movement is reduced, but MOG separation effectiveness deteriorates due to insufficient entrainment of non-grain particles
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple monitoring zones with separate sensors at different locations (front, middle, rear of upper chaffer; multiple positions on lower sieve), allowing independent measurement and targeted adjustment of airflow to specific areas, enabling precise control that maintains separation effectiveness while minimizing overall grain loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different airflow control strategies to different regions of the cleaning system based on local conditions, with the computer adjusting blower operation based on spatially distributed G factors and MOG factors, ensuring optimal separation in each zone without excessive grain movement anywhere in the system
3Productivity
If the airflow distribution across the threshing and cleaning systems is made more even, then separation efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the blower control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical airflow distribution mechanisms with an electronically controlled blower system managed by a computer, using sensors and software algorithms to achieve even airflow distribution, thereby simplifying the physical structure while maintaining high separation efficiency through intelligent control
4Reliability
If multiple sensors and measurement devices are added to optimize airflow control, then airflow distribution and separation effectiveness are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system performs multiple functions including data acquisition from multiple sensors, calculation of G factors and MOG factors, determination of airflow adjustments, and direct control of the blower, consolidating what could be separate complex subsystems into a single multi-functional control unit that improves reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
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 adjusts blower airflow to enhance the separation of grain from other materials, optimizing the cleaning process by reducing grain loss and power consumption while ensuring efficient entrainment of non-grain particles.
Implementation Method 1
a blower used to produce an airstream that entrains the lighter non-grain particles and carries them out the rear of the harvester
Implementation Method 2
chaff and other residue from the threshed crop. In one example, a rotor cooperates with concaves to thresh the harvested material, and initial separation occurs as grain and smaller residue are pushed through the grated concaves by centrifugal force
Implementation Method 3
a rotor cooperates with concaves to thresh the harvested material, and initial separation occurs as grain and smaller residue are pushed through the grated concaves by centrifugal force
Data Source
AI summary
The airflow through a harvesting machine is adjusted by calculating a G-factor at a first point on an upper chaffer to determine if it is greater than 1+n, where n represents a desired factor. A blower is adjusted to reduce an airstream if the G-factor is greater than 1+n. A MOG factor is calculated if the G-factor is less than 1+n. The blower is adjusted to increase the airstream if the MOG-factor is less than 1+x, where x represents a desired factor. A MOG-factor is calculated at a second point if the MOG-factor at the point is greater than 1+x and the blower is adjusted to reduce the airstream if the MOG-factor at the second point is greater than 1+y, where y represents a desired factor or adjusted to increase the airstream if the MOG-factor at the second point is less than 1+y.