Combine Residue Processing Control via Field-Map Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Farmers lack the tools to effectively utilize field-map data to optimize the operation of agricultural combines, leading to inefficient residue processing and resource distribution across varying field conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for an agricultural combine that determines its position on a field using field-maps, retrieves relevant data, and adjusts residue processing system settings, such as chopper speed and distribution, to optimize residue usage based on specific field conditions, including slope and yield data, to enhance soil nutrition and revenue potential.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If farmers use field-map data to optimize combine operation, then residue processing efficiency and field condition improvement are enhanced, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidue processing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Field-maps are created and stored in advance, containing comprehensive data about different field segments including soil characteristics, yield history, and slope information. This preliminary data preparation eliminates the need for real-time analysis during combine operation, resolving the contradiction by enabling optimized residue processing without increasing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A controller system acts as an intermediary between the field-map data and the residue processing system. The controller automatically retrieves relevant data from stored field-maps and adjusts residue processing settings accordingly, eliminating the need for complex manual data processing while maintaining optimized performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If residue processing settings are adjusted for different field segments, then field condition optimization is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield condition optimizationVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The field is divided into multiple segments with distinct characteristics stored in field-maps. Each segment has specific optimization requirements for residue processing. The system automatically applies local quality settings to each segment based on pre-stored data, achieving field condition optimization without requiring complex real-time control decisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The residue processing system automatically adjusts its own settings based on position information and pre-stored field-map data. The controller retrieves the appropriate segment characteristics and configures processing parameters autonomously, eliminating the need for operator intervention and simplifying control while maintaining optimization reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive field data is collected and analyzed, then residue distribution optimization is improved, but data processing time and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidue distribution optimizationVSAvoiddata processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Comprehensive field data including soil characteristics, yield history, and slope information is collected and stored in field-map structures before combine operation. This preliminary data organization enables rapid retrieval during operation, achieving comprehensive data utilization without real-time processing delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The field is segmented into discrete sections with specific characteristics stored in the field-map. This segmentation allows the system to retrieve and process only the relevant data for the current field segment rather than analyzing all field data continuously, reducing processing time while maintaining comprehensive optimization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 method allows for optimal residue processing and distribution, improving field conditions by stimulating composting, conserving moisture, and maximizing revenue potential across different field segments, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity.

Implementation Method 1

The mechanical treatment of the straw by chopping starts the composting of the straw. This composting process can be stimulated by adapting the chop length.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical chopping:

Implementation Method 2

the distribution settings, the amount of residue that is expelled onto each segment of the ground can be regulated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResidue distribution:

Data Source

PatentUS10292323B2Managing a combine residue system using field-data

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A method for operating an agricultural combine in a field using at least one field-map. The method includes steps of determining (S1) a position of the agricultural combine in the field, retrieving (S2) field-related data from the at least one field-map related to the determined position in the field, and adjusting (S3) residue processing system settings of the agricultural combine based on the retrieved data.