Harvesting Attachment Grain Loss Feedback for Picking Roller Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural harvesting machines face challenges in minimizing grain losses during the harvesting process, particularly under varying field conditions, and existing solutions do not effectively adjust picking roller speeds independently of other components to optimize grain retention.

Innovation Solution

A harvesting attachment for self-propelled agricultural machines, equipped with multiple picking units and grain loss sensors, allows for independent control of picking roller speeds based on detected grain loss, using a control and/or regulating device to adjust the speed of each picking unit to minimize grain loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If picking roller speed is increased to improve harvesting productivity, then harvesting efficiency is improved, but grain loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharvesting efficiencyVSAvoidgrain loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The picking roller speed is made dynamically adjustable through a variable speed drive system controlled by a control unit. The control unit receives grain loss signals from sensors and automatically adjusts the picking roller speed to optimize the balance between harvesting productivity and grain loss minimization, transforming the static speed system into a dynamic one that adapts to real-time harvesting conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameter (picking roller speed) based on detected grain loss conditions. When grain loss is detected, the control unit adjusts the speed parameter of the picking roller through the variable speed drive, thereby optimizing the harvesting process to reduce grain loss while maintaining acceptable productivity levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If picking roller speed is decreased to reduce grain loss, then grain retention is improved, but harvesting productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrain lossVSAvoidharvesting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a feedback control system where grain loss sensors continuously monitor harvesting conditions and send signals to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts the picking roller speed via the variable speed drive, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes the balance between grain retention and harvesting efficiency in real-time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The harvesting system performs self-adjustment through the automatic control mechanism. When grain loss is detected, the system autonomously modifies the picking roller speed without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to self-optimize its performance based on actual harvesting conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of substance

If picking roller speed is controlled independently of other components, then grain loss optimization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrain lossVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives signals from grain loss sensors, processes the information, determines appropriate speed adjustments, and controls the variable speed drive. This multi-functional approach consolidates control responsibilities into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while enabling independent picking roller speed control for grain loss optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively reduces grain loss by dynamically adjusting picking roller speeds based on real-time grain loss detection, improving grain retention efficiency under changing field conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the grain loss sensor has an impact plate for detecting grain loss, wherein the grain loss sensor is designed and configured to detect the impact energy of lost grains of the grain loss by means of a mechanical change and/or mechanical deflection of the impact plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP4388856B1Harvesting machine with a harvesting attachment comprising a grain loss sensor
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP4388856B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4388856B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4388856B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a self-propelled agricultural machine with a harvesting head for harvesting crops growing in rows, wherein the harvesting head has several picking units and each picking unit has at least two picking rollers for separating the crop from the supporting plant part, and wherein the harvesting head has at least one grain loss sensor for detecting grain loss from the crop separated from the supporting plant part. The invention further relates to the harvesting head for such a self-propelled agricultural machine.The present invention is based on the general idea that the self-propelled agricultural machine has a control and/or regulating device which is designed and configured to adjust the picking roller speed of a picking roller of at least one picking unit of the harvesting attachment depending on the grain loss detected by the grain loss sensor.