Electromagnetic Plane Crop Flow Sensor for Harvester Yield Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current harvester technologies face challenges in accurately measuring grain yield and biomass distribution during the separation process, leading to uneven material flow and inefficient processing due to the lack of precise monitoring and adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A multistage separation unit integrated with a material flow sensor that forms an electromagnetic plane, allowing for real-time sensing of crop material flow through a network of emitters and detectors, enabling the detection of flow differences and adjustments to ensure uniform processing by controlling deflectors and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional light barrier sensors are used at the rear end of the sieve, then grain yield measurement is possible, but measurement precision and flow uniformity monitoring are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple emitter-detector pairs arranged in an electromagnetic plane configuration. Multiple detectors are distributed along the length and width of the sieve, with each detector monitoring a specific zone. This segmentation allows precise localization of flow variations and improves measurement accuracy without requiring a single complex sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-point or linear light barriers to a two-dimensional electromagnetic plane formed by multiple emitters and detectors arranged in rows and columns. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive monitoring of crop material flow across the entire sieve surface, providing both longitudinal and lateral flow distribution data for precise yield measurement
2Reliability
If multiple light barriers are distributed along the sieve, then flow monitoring is improved, but device complexity and signal interpretation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple emitter-detector pairs are combined to form a unified electromagnetic plane sensing system. The signals from all detectors are integrated and processed together to create a comprehensive view of crop material flow distribution. This merging approach maintains high monitoring reliability while simplifying the overall system architecture compared to independent sensor arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic plane sensor system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures grain yield, monitors crop material flow distribution, identifies flow uniformity issues, and provides data for real-time harvester operation adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing systems and simplifies the overall device complexity
3Productivity
If material flow sensing is implemented, then grain yield estimation is improved, but the system requires additional emitters and detectors increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Emitters and detectors are strategically positioned to monitor specific zones where crop material flow variations most impact processing efficiency. The sensor density is optimized in critical areas such as near the sieve rear end and along zones with historical flow uniformity issues, while reducing sensor quantity in less critical regions. This local quality approach maintains high productivity monitoring while minimizing the total number of components
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
This solution enables precise monitoring and adjustment of crop material flow, enhancing the efficiency and uniformity of grain processing, improving grain yield estimation and biomass management by addressing uneven flow issues and optimizing harvester performance.
Implementation Method 1
A material flow sensor forms an electromagnetic plane through which crop material passes while being sensed. The material flow sensor comprises a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detectors extending both along an entire length of the sides of the electromagnetic plane
Data Source
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AI summary
A harvester may include a grain processing unit (30) and a material flow sensor (34) to form an electromagnetic plane (36) or field through which crop material passes while being sensed.