Grain Yield Monitoring With Optical Volume, Moisture, and Self-Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current yield measurement methods for grain harvesters are affected by calibration errors, moisture content, density variations, sensor errors, and machine vibrations, leading to inaccurate measurements and requiring multiple stops for calibration.
Innovation Solution
A grain yield monitoring apparatus with a flow sensor, photoelectric sensors, and a counterweight system that self-calibrates grain mass and measures moisture content, using a balance arm and arrays of photoelectric sensors to achieve accurate grain yield and moisture content measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If weighing sensor method is used for yield measurement, then the measurement can be performed continuously, but the measurement accuracy is seriously affected by bumpiness and vibration of the harvester
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the weighing sensor (mechanical system) with a volumetric measurement system using photoelectric sensors. Instead of measuring weight directly, the system measures grain volume through optical detection and calculates yield based on volume and density relationships, thereby eliminating the negative impact of vibrations and bumpiness on measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces grain volume as an intermediary parameter between the physical grain flow and the final yield calculation. By measuring grain volume through photoelectric sensors and using it as a mediator to calculate yield, the system avoids direct weight measurement that is sensitive to vibrations, while still achieving continuous monitoring.
2Device complexity
If traditional yield measurement method is used, then the system structure is simple, but multiple stops for calibration are required when plots and crop types are changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration capability where the system automatically adjusts calibration parameters based on measured grain volume and yield data. The microcontroller unit compares measured values with reference values and automatically updates calibration factors, eliminating the need for manual intervention and multiple calibration stops when changing plots or crop types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the calibration parameters dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adapts calibration factors based on real-time measurements and conditions, allowing it to automatically adjust to different plots and crop types without requiring manual recalibration, thus improving versatility while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If weighing sensor method is used, then the measurement covers all grain types, but the system cannot perform self-calibration when grain density changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from weight to volume, and introduces grain density as a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on grain type. The system measures grain volume using photoelectric sensors and applies density-specific calibration factors, enabling automatic adaptation to different grain types and densities without requiring manual recalibration for each grain variety.
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 apparatus provides high accuracy, real-time monitoring, and reduces the influence of environmental factors, enabling self-calibration and precise grain yield and moisture content detection.
Implementation Method 1
a flow sensor for detecting grain flow is provided on the grain storage apparatus
Implementation Method 2
arrays of photoelectric sensors are provided on the metering apparatus
Implementation Method 3
the counterweight apparatus includes a clump weight and a balance arm, and the clump weight and the metering apparatus are disposed on two sides of the balance arm respectively
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a grain yield monitoring apparatus and method with a function of measuring moisture content, comprising a processor, a grain storage apparatus, a metering apparatus, and a counterweight apparatus. A grain yield monitoring method comprises: when a balance arm is in a balanced state, obtaining calibrated grain mass based on mass of a clump weight, and obtaining grain volume in the metering apparatus based on trigger position of arrays of photoelectric sensors; and obtaining measured grain mass of grain flowing through a flow sensor within a mass calibration time period based on a grain flow signal, calibrating grain mass based on an error between the calibrated grain mass and the measured grain mass to obtain a total grain yield, and obtaining a moisture content of grain based on the grain volume. The calibration of grain yield and measurement of moisture content of the grain can be synchronized.