Dynamic Fan Speed Control for Combine Grain Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combine harvesters lack the ability to automatically adjust fan speed in the cleaning system based on grain throughput, leading to either excessive residue collection or grain loss due to constant fan speed settings.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that automatically controls the cleaning fan speed by monitoring grain throughput and loss, using predefined thresholds and corresponding fan speeds to optimize the cleaning process, allowing for dynamic adjustments during harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fan speed is set at a constant high level, then residue removal is improved, but grain loss increases due to grain being blown off the cleaning system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant fan speed to a dynamic variable fan speed that automatically adjusts based on real-time grain throughput conditions. The controller continuously monitors grain flow rate and modifies fan speed accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to changing harvesting conditions and resolve the contradiction between effective residue removal and grain retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the fan speed parameter in response to changes in grain throughput. The controller adjusts the fan speed parameter dynamically based on monitored grain flow conditions, allowing the system to optimize residue removal effectiveness while preventing grain loss under varying operational conditions.
2Loss of substance
If fan speed is set at a constant low level, then grain retention is improved, but residue collection increases resulting in unacceptable grain quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamics to adjust fan speed from a static constant value to a dynamic value that responds to grain throughput conditions. When grain flow is low, the fan speed is reduced to retain grain; when grain flow is high, fan speed increases to maintain cleaning effectiveness and grain quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the fan speed parameter dynamically based on grain throughput monitoring. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain grain retention at low throughput while ensuring adequate residue removal at high throughput, thereby resolving the quality-retention contradiction.
3Productivity
If fan speed is automatically adjusted based on grain throughput, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring grain throughput conditions and using this information to automatically adjust fan speed. The controller receives feedback about grain flow rate and modifies fan operation accordingly, improving cleaning efficiency while keeping the control logic relatively simple through direct feedback-response mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling the cleaning system to automatically regulate its own performance through the controller that adjusts fan speed based on monitored grain throughput. This self-regulating capability improves cleaning efficiency without requiring complex external control systems or manual intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
A combine (10) including a cutting wheel for harvesting crop, a separating system (24) for threshing the harvested crop to separate grain from residue, at least one of a yield monitor (115) or a loss monitor (113), a crop cleaning system (26) including a cleaning fan (52), and a controller (310) coupled to the at least one of the yield monitor (115) or the loss monitor (113). The controller (310) controls the crop cleaning system (26), and is configured to determine at least one of a throughput from the yield monitor (115), or a loss from the loss monitor (113), compare the determined throughput or loss to a respective throughput threshold or loss threshold, and control a speed of the cleaning fan (52) based on the throughput or loss comparison.