Corn Header Terahertz Detection for Row-Level Yield Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural systems, such as combine harvesters, lack the capability to provide detailed yield mapping with sufficient resolution, particularly at the row-to-row level, leading to inaccuracies in crop yield assessment across varying field conditions.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a yield system with terahertz detection subsystems, including terahertz sources and cameras, along with control systems, to determine the size, density, and relative yield of agricultural products at each row unit of a corn header, utilizing additional sensors like piezoelectric and radar systems for enhanced crop yield mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional yield monitoring systems are used in combine harvesters, then the system complexity remains manageable, but the measurement precision of crop yield at row-to-row level is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The corn header is divided into multiple independent row units, with each row unit equipped with its own terahertz source and camera system. This segmentation allows each row to be monitored independently, achieving row-to-row yield mapping resolution while keeping individual sensor systems manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces terahertz frequency electromagnetic radiation as a new dimension of detection, moving beyond traditional optical or mechanical sensors. This enables penetration through plant material to detect crop yield properties at a molecular level, achieving precision without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors per row unit are integrated, then the measurement precision and data accuracy improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each row unit is designed as a universal module that can be configured with terahertz sources, cameras, and other sensors according to specific needs. This modular universal design allows the same basic structure to serve multiple functions (yield mapping, moisture detection, density measurement) without requiring custom manufacturing for each configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple sensor systems (terahertz sources, cameras, piezoelectric sensors, radar) into a nested hierarchical structure where sensors are positioned within and around the row unit framework. This nesting allows compact integration of complex sensor arrays while maintaining ease of assembly and manufacturing
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
Enables real-time, high-resolution crop yield mapping, allowing operators to adjust harvesting operations based on precise yield data, improving crop management and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A terahertz source 238 and a terahertz camera 240 are disposed on each row unit 312 of the corn header 300. The terahertz source 238 and the terahertz camera 240 may be positioned to provide a detection area 326 between the terahertz source 238 and the terahertz camera 240.
Implementation Method 2
In certain embodiments, the row unit detection subsystem 234 includes a piezoelectric sensor 242 positioned on the deck plate 318 of the row unit 312.
Implementation Method 3
In certain embodiments, the corn header 300 includes an auger detection subsystem 236 having a radar source 246 and a radar sensor 248.
Data Source
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AI summary
A yield system for a corn header includes a terahertz detection subsystem. The terahertz detection subsystem includes a plurality of terahertz sources configured to be disposed on a respective plurality of row units of the corn header, a plurality of terahertz cameras configured to be disposed on the respective plurality of row units of the corn header, and a control system. The control system includes a memory configured to store instructions and one or more processors. The control system receives the signal from each terahertz camera of the plurality of terahertz and determines a size and a density of the agricultural product at each row unit of the plurality of row units based on the respective image. The control system also determines a relative yield of the agricultural product at each row unit of the plurality of row units.