Grain Flow Sensor Positioning for Combine Harvester Loss Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring grain losses in combine harvesters are inaccurate due to limited detection capabilities of grain flow sensors, which result in underestimation of losses, especially when grains are embedded in straw, leading to reduced yield and germinating plant issues.
Innovation Solution
A grain flow sensor is positioned between the separating device and the cleaning device, within a conveying system, to detect a larger and more reliable grain flow, allowing for more accurate loss calculation by a control unit using signals from both the grain flow sensor and a total grain flow sensor, with associated loss curves for precise determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a grain flow sensor is positioned at the outlet of the separating device or directly in the straw walker, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because grains are mostly embedded in the straw and only a small number of grains are detected
Solution Approach 1:
A conveyor device is introduced as an intermediary between the separating device and the grain flow sensor. The conveyor collects and transports separated grains to the sensor, ensuring that grains are presented to the detection surface in a controlled manner rather than relying on random impact at the sensor location. This mediator structure resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple sensor positioning while dramatically improving measurement precision through the intermediary conveying mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If multiple grain flow sensors are installed at different points along the threshing and separating device, then the measurement precision improves through better grain flow detection, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from multiple distributed sensor locations and consolidated into a single grain flow sensor positioned at the conveyor discharge point. The conveyor device performs the function of collecting and transporting grains from various separation zones to the single sensor location. This extraction approach maintains high measurement precision by detecting grains after they have been separated and conveyed, while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple sensors and their associated signal processing systems.
3Measurement precision
If a separate conveyor floor is installed to collect and feed grains to an impact plate sensor, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor device is designed to serve dual functions: it performs the primary function of transporting separated material from the separating device to the cleaning device, and simultaneously serves as a grain collection and presentation mechanism for the grain flow sensor. By making the conveyor multi-functional, the patent improves measurement precision through reliable grain detection while avoiding the need for separate dedicated conveyor structures, thus maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 arrangement provides a more accurate and reliable measurement of grain losses, enabling better yield optimization by identifying high-loss situations earlier and allowing for timely adjustments in threshing and separating device settings.
Implementation Method 1
a grain flow sensor for detecting the intensity of a grain flow separated in a separating device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A loss measurement arrangement in a combine harvester (10, 10') comprises a grain flow sensor (68, 68', 68", 68a, 68b) for detecting the intensity of a grain flow separated in a separating device of the combine harvester (10, 10') and a control unit (74) for calculating a grain loss value based on the signals from the grain flow sensor (68, 68', 68", 68a, 68b). The grain flow sensor (68, 68', 68", 68a, 68b) is associated with a grain conveying device arranged between the separating device and a cleaning device (46).