Grain Unload Conveyor Alignment Using LiDAR and Camera Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The synchronization of agricultural machine operations, particularly during the transfer of crop material from one machine to another, is laborious and challenging due to limited visibility, environmental conditions, and the need for precise alignment, which existing technologies fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an agricultural harvester equipped with an electromagnetic detecting and ranging module and a camera, which generates data to determine the location of a receiving vehicle relative to the harvester, and uses this information to create a graphical representation of the relative positions of the unload conveyor and the receiving vehicle's grain bin, assisting operators or automating the alignment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment of receiving vehicle with unload conveyor is used, then operator control flexibility is maintained, but alignment precision and operator workload are deteriorated due to limited visibility and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical detection and control system. The system uses electromagnetic detecting modules (such as LiDAR) and cameras to automatically detect the relative position between the unload conveyor and receiving vehicle, then generates control signals to automatically adjust the conveyor's position and angle, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations by the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment assistance system that includes electromagnetic detecting modules, cameras, and a control system. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between the driver and the alignment process, providing real-time position data and automated control signals to achieve precise alignment without requiring the driver to directly perform the alignment task.
2Measurement precision
If automated alignment system is implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and computing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional alignment system where the electromagnetic detecting modules and cameras serve multiple purposes: detecting the position of the receiving vehicle, measuring the position and angle of the unload conveyor, and providing data for automated control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each measurement task, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
3Productivity
If real-time detection and graphical representation are provided, then alignment efficiency is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous operation of detecting modules and cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic detection and update cycles rather than continuous operation of all detecting modules and cameras. The system periodically updates the graphical representation of relative positions and adjusts the unload conveyor at appropriate intervals, which reduces energy consumption compared to continuous real-time operation while still maintaining high alignment efficiency.
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 solution enhances the accuracy and efficiency of crop transfer operations by providing real-time position data and automated guidance, reducing operator workload and improving alignment precision even in challenging environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic detecting and ranging module for detecting a location of an object relative to the agricultural harvester
Implementation Method 2
a camera for capturing images of an area within a field of view of the electromagnetic detecting and ranging module and generating image data
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural harvester includes an electromagnetic detecting and ranging module for detecting a location of an object relative to the agricultural harvester and a camera for capturing images of an area within a field of view of the electromagnetic detecting and ranging module. One or more computing devices receive first data from the electromagnetic detecting and ranging module, the first data indicating the location of the object relative to the agricultural harvester, receive image data from the camera and use the image data to determine whether the object is a receiving vehicle. If the object is a receiving vehicle, the one or more computing devices use the first data and the second data to generate graphic data defining a graphical representation illustrating the relative positions of the unload conveyor and the receiving vehicle. An electronic device including a graphical user interface presents the graphical representation on the graphical user interface.