Feeder Section Metal Detection with Encoded Pulse Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesting machines face challenges in detecting foreign metal objects in the crop feed path due to decreased sensitivity with vertical distance and false detection signals from machine vibrations, making it difficult to accurately locate and remove foreign objects during operation.
Innovation Solution
A harvester with a feeder section divided into regions, each equipped with a metal detection circuit that generates output signals compared to thresholds, providing visible and audible indications of the object's position and size through encoded pulse sequences and concentric circle displays, allowing for precise localization of foreign objects across the feeder section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnets with the same polarity are used to extend the detection field vertically, then the detection capability in top layers of crop flow is improved, but false detection signals from machine vibrations and rotating components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple independent detection circuits, each covering a specific region of the feeder section. This segmentation allows the system to process signals from different locations separately, improving the ability to distinguish genuine foreign objects from noise sources while maintaining extended vertical detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Each detection circuit is configured with region-specific parameters and thresholds optimized for its local environment. This allows the system to adapt to varying noise characteristics in different regions of the feeder section, reducing false detections while maintaining sensitivity to actual foreign objects.
2Area of stationary object
If the detection field extends further vertically from the magnets, then foreign objects in upper crop layers are detected, but the sensitivity decreases with vertical distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-point detection approach to a distributed array of detection circuits arranged across multiple regions of the feeder section. This spatial distribution in another dimension allows the system to maintain sensitivity across a larger overall detection field area by having multiple localized high-sensitivity zones.
3Loss of information
If multiple detection circuits are used to locate foreign objects across the feeder width, then position information is obtained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each detection circuit independently processes its own signals and determines the presence and position of foreign objects in its region. This self-service approach allows parallel processing without requiring complex centralized coordination, reducing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive position information.
4Reliability
If the threshold value is raised to reduce false detections, then reliability improves, but sensitivity to genuine foreign objects decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic threshold adjustment where each detection circuit can adapt its threshold based on local conditions and signal characteristics. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high reliability by raising thresholds for noisy regions while preserving sensitivity in cleaner regions, avoiding the need for a uniformly high threshold that would reduce overall detection capability.
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
The solution enhances the detection system's sensitivity and accuracy by reducing noise interference from machine components and conveying object location and size information to the operator, enabling effective and efficient removal of foreign objects, thereby preventing damage to the machine and ensuring animal safety.
Implementation Method 1
The signal generated by this sensor is fed to feeder arrest means
Implementation Method 2
Changes to the magnetic field are sensed by coils or Hall effect sensors which are arranged in the magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A harvester is described having a metal detection system (58) capable of resolving the position of a metal foreign object across the width of the feeder section (20, 21, 26, 27) of the harvester. Means mounted externally of the harvester are provided for emitting at least one of an audible and a visible pulsed signal of which the pulse sequence is encoded to indicate the position of a detected foreign object in the feeder section (20, 21, 26, 27).