Forage Harvester Spout Control Using Electro-Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of agricultural working machines face overload and variability in optimizing spout position during the transfer process, leading to inefficient filling of transport vehicles due to the need for manual monitoring and control, which depends on operator skill and experience.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses electro-optical devices to record and analyze kinematic and geometric parameters of the spout, transport vehicle, and agricultural working machine, generating automatic position control signals to guide the spout for optimal filling, reducing operator workload and ensuring uniform filling of the storage container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual monitoring and control of spout position is used, then the operator can adjust the spout position, but the operator becomes overloaded and the adjustment quality varies depending on operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the control system automatically monitors and adjusts spout position based on camera feedback and GPS data, eliminating the need for continuous operator intervention while maintaining precise positioning through algorithmic control
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control system is replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses camera-based detection, GPS positioning, and computer-controlled actuation mechanisms to adjust spout position, substituting human operation with automated sensing and control
2Extent of automation
If automatic control system based on camera analysis is used, then operator workload is reduced, but the control possibilities are limited by the kinematic capabilities of the spout
Solution Approach 1:
The control system achieves multi-functionality by coordinating control of the spout mechanism, agricultural working machine position, and transport vehicle position, allowing the system to adapt to various operational scenarios and overcome individual kinematic limitations through combined control
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control by continuously adjusting spout position, machine position, and vehicle position in real-time based on camera feedback and GPS data, enabling adaptive response to changing operational conditions and overcoming static kinematic constraints
3Manufacturing precision
If the spout position is manually adjusted by the operator, then the operator has full control, but the filling uniformity depends on operator experience and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback control where the camera monitors the transfer process and filling status, the control system analyzes this visual data along with GPS position information, and automatically adjusts spout and vehicle positions to maintain optimal filling uniformity throughout the operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an agricultural working machine (1), in particular a forage harvester (2), with at least one spout (4) for conveying received and processed crop (7) to a transport vehicle (6, 25), wherein an electro-optical device (18) is provided for the direction control of the spout (4) at least during the process of conveying to the transport vehicle (6, 25), and wherein the electro-optical device (18) detects characteristic parameters (30) of the spout (4) and characteristic parameters (30) of the transport vehicle (6) and/or the agricultural working machine (1). This ensures that a control of a spout (4) of agricultural working machines (1, 2) is provided which almost completely relieves the operator of the agricultural working machine (1, 2) of the task of monitoring the spout.