Combine Harvester Fan Control via Proximity Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combine harvesters face challenges in accurately representing real-time conditions within their processing apparatus, leading to suboptimal auto-setting operations due to inadequate measurement of Material Other than Grain (MOG) load, which affects grain loss and overall harvesting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a proximity sensor to measure the material volume on the material conveyance system, allowing for precise control of fan speed and sieve adjustments based on the sensed MOG load, thereby optimizing the grain cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustments are used to optimize harvesting settings, then the operator can adapt to changing conditions, but the harvesting efficiency is reduced due to continuous manual intervention required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation through automatic control of threshing, separating, and grain cleaning apparatus. Sensors continuously monitor material flow, MOG load, and grain quality, allowing the combine to automatically adjust settings without operator intervention, thereby maintaining adaptability while improving harvesting efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor processing conditions (material volume, MOG load, grain moisture) and feed this information to the control system, which automatically adjusts apparatus settings to optimize performance, eliminating the need for manual adjustments while maintaining adaptability
2Extent of automation
If auto-setting functionality is implemented without accurate material measurement, then automation is achieved, but the accuracy of control decisions deteriorates leading to suboptimal harvesting
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with electronic sensors including load cells, proximity sensors, and optical sensors that continuously and accurately measure material volume, MOG load, and grain properties, providing precise data for automated control decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary sensing devices (load cells, proximity sensors, moisture sensors) between the physical material flow and the control system, enabling accurate indirect measurement of MOG load and material properties that feed into automated decision-making algorithms
3Device complexity
If fan speed is not dynamically adjusted based on MOG load, then the system operates with fixed settings, but grain loss increases due to inadequate cleaning under varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed fan speed operation to dynamic control where fan speed continuously adjusts based on real-time MOG load measurements from proximity sensors and material volume data, optimizing cleaning efficiency and minimizing grain loss under varying harvest conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (fan speed, sieve oscillation frequency, apparatus spacing) based on measured material properties and MOG load, allowing the grain cleaning system to adapt its performance characteristics to match actual processing conditions and prevent grain loss
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
This solution provides an accurate estimation of the MOG load, reducing grain loss and enhancing the automation algorithms for improved harvesting efficiency by optimizing fan speed and sieve control.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor mounted above the material conveyance system for sensing a material volume
Implementation Method 2
a fan arranged to generate a cleaning airstream through the screening apparatus. The cleaning airstream is directed through and/or over the sieves so as to lift and carry the MOG away from the surface of the sieves
Implementation Method 3
Through rearward conveyance of the grain and MOG mixture, a degree of stratification may occur wherein the grain sinks to the bottom and the MOG rises to the top
Data Source
AI summary
A combine harvester includes threshing apparatus, separating apparatus, a grain cleaning system located downstream of the separating apparatus, and a material conveyance system arranged to convey crop material from the separating apparatus to the grain cleaning system. The grain cleaning system includes screening apparatus, a fan arranged to generate a cleaning airstream through the screening apparatus, and a fan control system configured to control a fan speed. The fan control system includes a proximity sensor mounted above the material conveyance system for sensing a material volume. The fan control system controls the fan speed in dependence upon the material volume.