Combine Harvester Threshing Control via Functional System Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters face challenges in achieving comprehensive and efficient control of the threshing mechanism with high hardware and administration costs, and limited suitability of characteristic curves for reflecting complex relationships between parameters.
Innovation Solution
A functional system model is stored in the driver assistance system's memory to autonomously determine threshing unit parameters, allowing adaptive control based on current harvesting process states, using characteristic curves to map complex relationships with minimal computational effort and enabling cyclic adjustments for responsive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an expert system with database is used to determine threshing mechanism control measures, then comprehensive control capability is achieved, but hardware and administration costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive expert system database with a copied and simplified version - a pre-programmed knowledge base containing threshing mechanism control rules and parameters. This copied knowledge structure provides comprehensive control capability without requiring the complex hardware infrastructure of a full expert system, thereby reducing costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a cost-effective alternative to the expensive expert system database by implementing a simplified control program with pre-stored knowledge rules. This disposable-like approach - using a single, simple program structure rather than a complex, maintainable database system - achieves the necessary control functionality at significantly lower hardware and administration costs.
2Ease of manufacture
If characteristic curves are used to describe functional areas of harvesting machines, then general structure is provided, but suitability for reflecting special relationships between parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the general characteristic curve structure by adding local quality - specific, crop-type-specific parameters and adjustment rules stored in the knowledge base. This allows the system to maintain the simple overall structure of characteristic curves while incorporating detailed, specialized relationships for different crop types and harvesting conditions, thereby improving adaptability without sacrificing structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the characteristic curves dynamic by allowing real-time adjustment of parameters based on sensor inputs and the pre-programmed knowledge rules. The system can adapt the characteristic curves to reflect actual harvesting conditions and crop types, transforming static general curves into dynamic, situation-specific parameter relationships that accurately reflect special relationships between parameters.
3Ease of operation
If driver assistance system provides interactive suggestions to driver, then driver control is improved, but driver effort and stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a semi-automatic control mode where the driver assistance system provides suggestions but the driver retains final decision authority. This self-service approach allows the driver to benefit from the system's analytical capabilities and suggestions without being forced to accept every recommendation, thereby improving control ease while allowing the driver to manage their own workload by accepting or rejecting suggestions as appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides partial automation by offering selective suggestions rather than complete automatic control. The driver assistance system analyzes multiple parameters and provides targeted suggestions for specific adjustments, allowing the driver to focus only on critical decisions rather than managing all parameters manually. This partial action approach improves ease of operation without creating excessive driver workload from constant interactions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a combine harvester with a threshing unit (1) for threshing harvested crop into grain and with a driver assistance system (10) for controlling the threshing unit (1), wherein the driver assistance system (10) comprises a memory (11) for storing data and a computing device (12) for processing the data stored in the memory (11). It is proposed that a functional system model (11b) for at least a part of the combine harvester is stored in the memory (11), and that the computing device (12) is configured to perform the determination, in particular autonomously, of at least one threshing unit parameter (1a, 1b) based on the system model (11b), and that at least one characteristic curve array (AJ) is assigned to at least one harvesting process parameter to represent the functional relationships, and that this harvesting process parameter is defined as the output variable of the at least one characteristic curve array (AJ).