Grain Loss Sensor Calibration Using Positional Measuring Marks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining grain loss in combine harvesters are inaccurate and time-consuming, as they rely on cumbersome qualitative assessments or imprecise grain loss sensors that struggle to calibrate effectively due to varying environmental conditions and driving speeds.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves measuring actual grain loss quantities and assigning corresponding sensor grain loss values using position and time information, allowing for precise calibration data to be determined, which can be processed centrally or on the combine harvester, and utilizing test shells to validate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If grain loss sensors are used to determine grain losses, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient due to difficulty in establishing correlation between sensor values and actual grain losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for calibration by introducing multiple reference measurements under varying operating conditions (driving speed, crop quality, moisture content, crop density). Instead of relying on a single correlation model, the system collects sensor data across a range of parameters and establishes multiple calibration relationships, allowing the measurement system to adapt to different harvesting conditions and improve overall measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If test trays are used to collect lost grains for calibration, then some measurement capability is improved, but the calibration procedure becomes very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by collecting reference grain loss measurements and sensor data during normal harvesting operations before formal calibration is needed. Multiple reference measurements are gathered in advance under various operating conditions, creating a calibration dataset that can be used immediately when calibration is required, eliminating the need for time-consuming separate calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous data collection during harvesting operations, where sensor measurements and reference grain loss measurements are gathered continuously as the combine operates. This continuous accumulation of calibration data during useful harvesting work eliminates idle calibration time, as the calibration process utilizes data collected during normal operations rather than requiring separate calibration sessions.
3Loss of substance
If the combine operator strives to operate just below the specified grain loss limit, then economic targets are met, but harvesting efficiency is reduced due to repeated adjustments and measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing the operator with real-time or near-real-time grain loss measurements from the sensor system. The measured grain loss values are fed back to the operator, who can then make informed adjustments to operating parameters (driving speed, threshing unit settings) to maintain grain loss below the specified limit. This continuous feedback loop eliminates the need for repeated stop-and-measure cycles, allowing the operator to maintain optimal settings and harvest efficiently while meeting grain loss targets.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining calibration data for a grain loss sensor (1) on a combine harvester (2), wherein grain loss quantities (12) left behind by the combine harvester (2) during harvesting are measured, and wherein sensor grain loss values (14) are measured by the grain loss sensor (1) during harvesting. The method is characterized in that measuring marks (15a, b) are assigned to the measured grain loss quantities (12) and the measured sensor grain loss values (14), and that the calibration data for the grain loss sensor (1) are determined based on a comparison of the measured grain loss quantities (12) with the measured sensor grain loss values (14) according to the measuring marks (15a, b).