Agricultural Combine Unloader System with Multi-Tank Grain Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural combine unloader systems require grain to be delivered to a single tank, increasing unloading time and resource usage, and lack the ability to separate grain based on attributes, necessitating additional processing.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural combine with multiple grain tanks and an unloader system featuring a sensor and controller that directs grain to specific tanks based on detected attributes, using an unloader tube with multiple discharge openings and assemblies controlled by the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If grain is delivered to a single grain tank, then the unloader system structure is simple, but the unloading time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The unloader tube is divided into multiple sections with multiple discharge openings along its length. Each discharge opening can independently discharge grain to different locations, allowing grain to be delivered to multiple tanks simultaneously or sequentially, thereby reducing unloading time without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The unloader tube is made rotatable and can be positioned at different angles and orientations. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same unloader tube to serve multiple discharge locations by rotating to different angles, enabling flexible grain routing to different tanks based on real-time needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If all grain is delivered to the same tank, then the unloader system is simple to operate, but additional separation processes are required later
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs grain separation at the point of unloading by directing different grain types to different tanks based on sensor detection. This preliminary separation action eliminates the need for subsequent separation processes, as grain is sorted into appropriate tanks before leaving the combine
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors detect grain attributes (such as moisture content, protein content, or other characteristics) in real-time and provide feedback to the control system. The control system uses this feedback to automatically adjust discharge opening selections and tube positioning, enabling automated grain sorting based on detected attributes without manual intervention
3Productivity
If the unloader tube discharges to multiple locations, then unloading efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated sensors and control mechanisms that operate autonomously based on detected grain attributes. The control system automatically selects which discharge openings to use and positions the unloader tube accordingly, reducing the need for manual operation and minimizing control complexity through self-regulating automation
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural combine with a plurality of grain tanks (12a, 12b, 12c) and an unloader system (14) for unloading grain harvested by the combine. The unloader system (14) has an unloader tube (16), a sensor (46) and a controller (48). The unloader tube (16) includes an interior passageway (18) with a conveyor (24) inside the interior passageway (18) for moving the grain through the unloader tube (16) and at least two discharge assemblies (26, 28) on the unloader tube (16) for discharging grain traveling through the unloader tube (16) to one of the plurality of grain tanks (12a, 12b, 12c). The sensor (46) is used for sensing an attribute of the grain that is to be unloaded through the unloader tube (16). The controller (48) is operatively connected to and in communication with the unloader system (14) and sensor (46) so as to discharge the grain from the unloader tube (16) through one of the at least two discharge assemblies (26, 28) based upon the attribute detected by the sensor (46).