Combine Loss Mapping for Historical Grain Loss Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters face challenges in accurately monitoring grain loss during harvesting, with current loss monitors providing real-time fluctuating data that requires subjective interpretation, lacking historical context, and struggling with calibration and detection of light grains, while manual inspections are time-consuming and inadequate for dynamic crop conditions.
Innovation Solution
A combine harvester system with a control system that integrates sensors for real-time data collection, including geographical mapping of loss data, allowing operators to visualize and analyze grain loss patterns over a field, enabling precise adjustments based on historical and real-time data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time loss monitoring is implemented, then grain loss detection capability is improved, but data interpretation complexity increases due to constant fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by accumulating and storing loss monitor data over time before presentation to the operator. The controller continuously collects data from loss monitors during harvesting operations, preparing it for later analysis and display, thereby simplifying the operator's task of interpreting grain loss patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the data presentation from a single-dimensional real-time fluctuating display to a multi-dimensional approach by mapping loss data to geographical locations and presenting it across different time periods. This dimensional transformation allows operators to see patterns and trends that are not visible in real-time-only displays.
2Loss of time
If real-time loss data is displayed, then immediate feedback is provided, but historical context and pattern analysis are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously accumulates and stores loss monitor data during harvesting operations before presentation to the operator. This preliminary data accumulation ensures that both real-time and historical information are captured and preserved for later analysis, preventing loss of historical context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by presenting analyzed loss data to the operator through the display device, showing grain loss information mapped to geographical locations. This feedback loop allows operators to see both immediate loss conditions and historical patterns, enabling informed adjustments to harvesting operations.
3Device complexity
If manual grain loss inspection is performed, then calibration complexity is reduced, but time consumption and detection accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with automated electronic sensing systems. Loss monitors with sensors automatically detect and measure grain loss without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining or improving detection accuracy compared to manual methods.
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
Provides operators with a clear, historical view of grain loss patterns, facilitating efficient adjustments to operating parameters for optimized harvesting, reducing grain loss and improving combine performance.
Implementation Method 1
Such sensors typically comprise piezoelectric sensors that are calibrated to detect contact by grains
Implementation Method 2
the control system is configured to obtain position readings corresponding to a geographical position of the agricultural combine during operation of the combine
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An agricultural combine having at least one loss sensor associated with a threshing and separating system, a processing device, and a user interface. The processor is configured to collect geographical position readings, operating parameter settings, and loss data readings. The operating parameter settings and loss data readings are associated with the position readings. The processor generates a display at the user interface illustrating a geographical map including at least a portion of the plurality of position readings. The geographical map graphically indicates each loss data reading associated with each position reading illustrated on the geographical map at that position reading's respective location on the geographical map. A system and method for evaluating the performance of an agricultural combine are also provided.