Crop Level Sensor for Elevator Interference in Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesters face productivity losses when an external receiver is not properly positioned, requiring the harvester to pause operations, and there is a need to monitor crop levels within the elevator to prevent interference and optimize storage.
Innovation Solution
A system with a crop level sensor and controller that detects crop levels and initiates control actions to prevent interference and adjust elevator speed, allowing continuous harvesting even when the external receiver is not positioned, by switching to a storage harvesting mode and temporarily storing crops within a storage hopper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the harvester operates without an external receiver or when the receiver is not properly positioned, then the harvester can continue harvesting, but crops accumulate in the elevator causing interference and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The crop level sensor detects crop accumulation in the elevator before it reaches harmful levels. By monitoring crop levels proactively and initiating discharge operations in advance, the system prevents crop interference and damage while maintaining continuous harvesting productivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the harvester pauses operation to prevent crop discharge onto the ground, then crop interference is avoided, but significant productivity loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The crop level sensor provides continuous feedback on crop accumulation in the elevator. This feedback enables the control system to automatically adjust elevator operation and initiate discharge only when necessary, maintaining crop control while minimizing harvesting interruptions and maximizing productivity.
3Productivity
If the elevator speed is increased to maintain productivity, then harvesting output increases, but crop accumulation in the elevator worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time crop level sensor feedback. The control system optimizes elevator speed by increasing it when the receiver is properly positioned and decreasing it when crop accumulation approaches threshold levels, maintaining both productivity and preventing harmful accumulation.
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 continuous operation of the harvester without an external receiver, maximizing on-board storage capacity and preventing crop accumulation issues by monitoring and adjusting elevator speed based on crop levels.
Implementation Method 1
a paddle pivotably coupled to the sensor body such that the paddle is configured to pivot relative to the sensor body when a crop level of the harvested crops conveyed by the elevator exceeds a threshold crop
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for detecting crop levels within an agricultural harvester may include an elevator extending between a proximal end and a distal end, with the elevator being configured to carry harvested crops between the proximal end of the elevator and the distal end of the elevator. The system may also include a crop level sensor provided in operative association with the elevator. The crop level sensor may include a sensor body and a paddle pivotably coupled to the sensor body such that the paddle is configured to pivot relative to the sensor body when a crop level of the harvested crops conveyed by the elevator exceeds a threshold crop.