Crop Transfer Control Using Trailer Status and Crop Ballistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneously controlling the harvesting and crop transfer process in agricultural harvesters to prevent crop spillage is challenging, even for experienced operators, and existing camera-based systems have limitations in achieving full automation with zero loss.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that predict crop ballistics by monitoring trailer and crop cloud parameters over time, determining a minimum engine speed to ensure accurate crop transfer, using sensors like LiDAR and machine learning for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If camera-based automatic control systems are used to assist crop transfer, then operator task difficulty is reduced, but full automation with zero crop loss is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensors (camera, LiDAR, GPS) and a processor to automatically adjust harvester speed and blade height. This substitution enables full automation by having the system independently monitor crop parameters and control transfer mechanisms without human intervention, achieving zero crop loss through precise automated regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment by continuously sensing crop parameters (moisture, density, flow rate) and automatically modifying operational parameters (speed, blade height, transfer timing). The system serves itself by making real-time decisions to optimize crop transfer, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining zero loss through autonomous regulation.
2Reliability
If engine speed is increased to ensure crop reaches the trailer, then crop transfer reliability is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed regulation where the harvester engine speed is continuously adjusted based on real-time crop parameters (moisture content, density, flow rate) and transfer distance. The system maintains the minimum necessary speed for reliable crop transfer rather than operating at constant high speed, thereby ensuring crop reaches the trailer while minimizing fuel consumption through adaptive speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes operational parameters (engine speed, blade height, transfer timing) based on sensed crop conditions. When crop moisture or density indicates slower movement, the system increases speed temporarily; when conditions are favorable, it reduces speed. This parameter adaptation ensures reliable transfer only when necessary, optimizing fuel economy by avoiding unnecessary high-speed operation.
3Loss of time
If crop transfer is performed at higher speeds, then transfer time is reduced, but crop spillage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sensing of crop parameters (moisture, density, flow rate) and pre-calculates the optimal transfer timing and speed adjustments before crop transfer begins. The control system prepares the transfer mechanism in advance, positioning components and setting parameters to ensure accurate delivery, thereby reducing transfer time while preventing spillage through pre-planned precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback control where sensors monitor crop flow characteristics during transfer, and the processor adjusts speed and positioning in real-time based on this feedback. If crop is moving slower than expected, the system compensates by adjusting transfer timing or speed; if faster, it reduces acceleration. This closed-loop feedback ensures rapid transfer while maintaining accurate crop delivery and preventing spillage.
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
Improves crop transfer performance with reduced engine speed, increased driver comfort, and fuel economy while minimizing spillage, achieving closer to full automation.
Implementation Method 1
The controller 1610 may receive data from a LiDAR 1606 to determine the position, velocity, and/or other parameters of the crop cloud 40
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
AI summary
A method of controlling a crop transfer process for transferring crop (40) between an agricultural harvester (10) and a nearby trailer (30), the method comprising: determining at least one trailer status parameter at a plurality of different points in time; determining at least one crop cloud parameter at the plurality of different points in time; determining a target point (35) in the trailer for the crop (40); determining a minimum engine speed of the harvester (10) based on the determined at least one trailer status parameter and at least one crop cloud parameter for the crop (40) to be transferred to the target point (35); and changing the engine speed of the harvester (10) to the determined minimum engine speed.