Combine Residue Spreader Wind Compensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind variations during harvesting can disrupt the uniform spread of crop residue by combines, as existing systems rely on weather forecasts that may not accurately reflect real-time wind conditions, leading to undesirable residue patterns.
Innovation Solution
A combine equipped with a system that monitors and adjusts residue spreader wheel speeds and deflector angles in real-time based on observed wind effects, using a combination of operator feedback and sensor data, such as camera images for image processing, to maintain a desirable residue spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weather forecast data is used to set residue spreader parameters, then initial residue spread control is achieved, but accuracy deteriorates due to inability to reflect real-time wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses cameras to capture images of residue spread on the ground, processes these images to determine actual wind effects, and feeds this information back to automatically adjust spreader parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism replaces static weather forecast data with dynamic real-time measurements, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator observation and adjustment with an automated optical measurement system. Cameras capture residue patterns, image processing algorithms analyze the spread, and control systems automatically adjust spreader parameters, substituting mechanical/manual processes with automated optical-electronic systems to achieve both accuracy and rapid response.
2Productivity
If manual operator adjustment of spreader parameters is used, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to increased operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting residue spread patterns through cameras, processing images to determine wind effects, and modifying spreader parameters without operator intervention. The system serves itself by using its own sensors and control mechanisms to maintain optimal operation, thereby increasing productivity while reducing the need for manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated feedback loop continuously monitors residue spread quality and adjusts spreader parameters in real-time, replacing manual operator control. This eliminates the trade-off between productivity and ease of operation by making the system both highly productive through automation and easy to operate through autonomous decision-making.
3Adaptability or versatility
If residue spreader parameters are fixed, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to respond to wind variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image-based feedback to automatically detect wind effects on residue spread and adjusts spreader parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism provides adaptability to wind variations without requiring complex manual adjustment systems, as the automation handles the complexity of real-time parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual adjustment mechanisms with automated optical sensing and electronic control systems. The camera-based measurement and image processing algorithms provide the necessary adaptability to wind conditions while simplifying the overall system architecture by eliminating manual intervention 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
Ensures a consistent and uniform residue spread by dynamically adjusting operational parameters to account for actual wind conditions, improving harvesting efficiency and reducing operator intervention.
Implementation Method 1
using a combination of operator feedback and sensor data, such as camera images for image processing
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A combine including a feeder housing for receiving harvested crop, a separating system for threshing the harvested crop to produce grain and residue, a residue spreader wheel spinning at a speed for expelling the residue from the combine, a residue deflector positioned at an angle for deflecting the expelled residue in a predetermined direction, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a heading of the combine, determine wind effects on the expelled residue based on an observation of the expelled residue at the determined heading, and adjust at least one of the speed of the residue spreader wheel or the angle of the residue deflector based on the wind effects to achieve a desired residue spread at the determined heading.