Crop Conditioner Feedback Control for Variable Harvest Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural machines struggle with inconsistent crop conditioning due to manual adjustment of parameters like roll gap and roll pressure, leading to suboptimal conditioning levels across varying crop densities and yields, resulting in inefficiencies and potential nutrient loss.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system with sensors and actuators to monitor and automatically adjust parameters such as roll gap, roll pressure, and vehicle speed based on crop quantity flow rate and load on motors, using a controller to determine a conditioning performance index and generate adjustment signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of conditioning parameters is used, then the machine structure remains simple, but conditioning consistency deteriorates across varying crop densities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconditioning consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts conditioning parameters (roll gap, roll pressure, vehicle speed) in real-time based on sensed crop quantity flow rate and motor load, transitioning from static manual settings to dynamic automated control to maintain optimal conditioning across varying field conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements closed-loop feedback by sensing crop quantity flow rate and motor load, processing this information through a controller, and automatically adjusting conditioning parameters based on the determined conditioning performance index to achieve consistent conditioning results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If fixed conditioning parameters are used, then the control system remains simple, but productivity decreases due to suboptimal conditioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvest efficiencyVSAvoidautomatic adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment of conditioning parameters by automatically sensing field conditions, determining the conditioning performance index, and modifying roll gap, roll pressure, and vehicle speed without operator intervention, enabling the machine to optimize its own performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operating parameters (roll gap, roll pressure, vehicle speed) based on sensed conditions and determined conditioning performance index, allowing the machine to adapt to varying crop densities and yields to maintain optimal productivity throughout the field

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of substance

If manual conditioning adjustment is used, then energy consumption remains low, but nutrient loss increases due to inconsistent conditioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenutrient lossVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with electronic sensing and automated control, using sensors to detect crop quantity flow rate and motor load, processing this data electronically, and actuating adjustments through automated control systems to optimize conditioning and reduce nutrient loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260047528A1System and method to measure and control conditioning

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 IOWA STATE UNIV RES FOUND INC

AI summary

Conditioning performance can be monitored while harvesting a crop to determine a level of conditioning. In response to deviations from normal conditioning, various components of an agricultural machine can be adjusted to improve conditioning performance. For instance, a roll gap of a conditioner may be adjusted. Further, engine speed or vehicle speed can be adjusted to improve conditioning.