Automated Grain Bagger Steering and Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grain bagging processes are inefficient due to manual operation, leading to uneven velocity changes and loss of grain, requiring multiple operators and equipment, and lacking precise alignment of augers with hoppers, resulting in grain falling on the ground.
Innovation Solution
An automated system for grain bagging that includes a wheeled vehicle frame, bag attachment, hopper, grain distributor, braking system, steering system, and a controller with sensors to provide automated braking and steering commands, ensuring precise filling and alignment of grain bags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for grain bagging, then operators can directly control the process, but the velocity changes are uneven and grain is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect grain flow and automatically adjusts the auger speed and bag filling rate. This substitution eliminates the uneven velocity changes and grain loss associated with manual operation while maintaining effective control of the bagging process.
2Reliability
If multiple operators and equipment are used for grain bagging, then the process can be controlled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated control system that simultaneously manages auger speed, bag filling rate, and grain flow detection. This consolidation maintains reliable process control while reducing the number of separate operators and equipment components needed, thereby simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to automatically detect and correct process variations without human intervention. The sensors monitor grain flow and the controller automatically adjusts operating parameters, making the system self-regulating and reducing dependency on multiple operators while maintaining control reliability.
3Productivity
If automated control is implemented for grain bagging, then manpower needs are reduced, but the system requires sophisticated sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual labor with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect grain flow and automatically adjusts the bagging process. This substitution achieves manpower efficiency by eliminating the need for operators while the integrated control architecture manages the sophistication of sensors and controllers through centralized processing and simple sensor implementations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the loading of grain in a grain bag is described. The system includes a grain cart, a tractor attached to the grain cart, and a grain bagger with an attached grain bag. The grain bagger further comprises a steering and steering control systems and a braking and braking control system. A hopper connected to the grain bagger receives grain from an auger connected with the hopper and auger and defines a loading position in which a distal end of the auger is positioned relative to the hopper such that grain transfers from the auger into the hopper. A controller provides velocity and steering commands to the tractor and a coordinated movement system connected to the controller receives position information as to the auger and hopper and provides course adjusting information so as to maintain the auger and hopper in the loading position.