Combine Shutter with Temporary Retention for Grain Quality Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combines face issues with accurate weight measurement of grain in the grain tank due to vibrations during operation, limited flexibility in reaping based on fixed threshold detection, and interference of grain with shutter operation for quality measurement, leading to inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
The combine incorporates a control unit that determines the working state and instructs weight measurement only when the combine is not in operation, uses tilt and orientation sensors to adjust the machine body for accurate measurements, and includes a system to manage the shutter operation to prevent grain interference during quality measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If weight measurement is performed during working state, then measurement can be done continuously, but measurement precision deteriorates due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement timing based on the working state of the combine. The control unit receives working state information and automatically schedules weight measurements to occur during non-working periods when vibrations are minimal, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling continuous monitoring capability throughout the harvesting operation.
2Device complexity
If fixed threshold detection is used, then detection is simple, but adaptability deteriorates for flexible reaping
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed threshold detection to dynamic threshold adjustment. The control unit modifies detection thresholds based on grain tank fill level, allowing the combine to adapt to different harvesting scenarios such as container loading or grain bag filling, thereby enhancing versatility while maintaining relatively simple detection hardware.
3Quantity of substance
If grain is retained in large amount in grain tank, then grain quality measurement can be performed, but shutter operation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the grain retention function into two separate locations: the grain tank for bulk storage and a temporary retention unit on the shutter for measurement. This segmentation allows the main grain tank to hold large quantities while the measurement function uses only a small portion of grain temporarily retained on the shutter, ensuring smooth shutter operation during quality measurement.
4Measurement precision
If temporary retention unit is added for quality measurement, then grain quality can be measured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a closure for the grain tank and simultaneously serves as a temporary retention surface for grain quality measurement. The discharge auger also performs dual functions by conveying grain from the tank and assisting in clearing the temporary retention unit. This multi-functionality enables grain quality measurement capability while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A combine including a grain tank that retains grain conveyed from a threshing device; a discharge auger; a temporary retention unit within the grain tank that temporarily retains part of the grain and has a discharge port; a quality measurement unit that detects quality of the grain retained in the temporary retention unit; a shutter transitionable between a position where the discharge port is open and a position where the discharge port is closed; a control unit that opens the shutter when the measurement by the quality measurement unit is completed and closes the shutter when all of the grain in the temporary retention unit is discharged; a volume measurement unit that detects the retention volume of the grain retained in the grain tank; and a determination unit that determines whether the retention volume exceeds a predetermined value, and if so, the control unit stops the opening/closing control.