Automated Grain Sampling and Odor Sensing for Accurate Grading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional grain grading and processing rely heavily on manual labor, leading to inefficiencies, inconsistencies, and increased costs due to labor shortages, especially in rural areas, and require facilities to operate extended hours during harvest seasons.
Innovation Solution
An automated grading system utilizing sampling probes, sensors, and a controller to collect and analyze grain samples for quality parameters such as moisture, odor, and composition, enabling continuous grading and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual grading is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but grading accuracy and consistency deteriorate due to human bias and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical grading with an automated system using sensors (optical, electronic), probes, and computer-controlled mechanisms to measure and evaluate grain properties, eliminating human bias and fatigue while maintaining consistent grading accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital representations and measurements of grain properties through sensors and imaging devices, converting physical grain characteristics into data that can be objectively analyzed and compared against standardized grading criteria
2Productivity
If extended hours operation is implemented, then grading volume increases, but labor costs and overtime expenses worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The automated grading system operates autonomously without requiring human operators for each grading task, enabling continuous operation during extended hours without proportional increases in labor costs, as the system serves itself through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from manual labor hours to automated machine hours, allowing productivity to scale without the same constraints on labor availability and cost associated with human workers
3Productivity
If automated sampling probes are used, then sampling efficiency increases, but device complexity and initial investment costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into modular components including separate probes for different grain properties, individual sensors for specific measurements, and distinct actuation mechanisms, allowing the complex function to be achieved through coordinated simpler parts
Data Source
AI summary
A grading system is disclosed. The grading system may include sampling probes. The grading system may include sensors, to collect information of a material within a container, wherein the sampling probes deliver the material to the sensors. The grading system may include a support structure to position the sampling probes above the container. The grading system may include motors coupled to the sampling probes to actuate the sampling probes. The grading system may include a controller including processors to execute a set of program instructions stored in memory to cause the processors to cause the motors to actuate the sampling probes such that the sampling probes are inserted into the container at one or more locations to collect the information of the material within the container, receive the information collected by the sensors and grade the material within the container based on the information collected by the sensors.