Grain Yield Sensor for Articulated Combine Auger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated agricultural harvesters face inefficiencies in grain yield measurement and unloading, leading to uneven grain removal and increased weight on the tongue, which can cause instability during operation.
Innovation Solution
A grain yield sensor integrated with the rear grain cart, utilizing a rotating auger assembly and paddle mechanism to measure grain flow, combined with a hydrostatic power distribution system for efficient auger operation, ensuring rapid and uniform grain unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If grain is removed from the rear grain cart, then the grain cart is emptied, but weight on the tongue increases causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The grain cart is divided into multiple discharge points (front and rear augers) that can operate independently or simultaneously. This segmentation allows grain to be removed from both ends of the cart, distributing the weight reduction more evenly and preventing excessive tongue weight during unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts auger operation based on real-time conditions. The front and rear augers can be controlled to operate at different rates or sequences, allowing the system to optimize both unloading speed and weight distribution to maintain stability throughout the unloading process.
2Measurement precision
If a grain yield sensor is installed on the rear grain cart, then grain flow measurement is enabled, but the sensor may be damaged by grain impact
Solution Approach 1:
A protective structure or intermediary element is positioned between the grain flow and the sensor to reduce direct grain impact. This intermediary allows the sensor to measure grain flow parameters (such as blockage detection or flow rate) while being shielded from the full force of grain throwing, thereby extending sensor life and maintaining measurement precision.
3Productivity
If multiple augers are used for grain transfer, then grain unloading efficiency is improved, but power distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single hydrostatic power unit is designed to perform multiple functions by driving both the front and rear augers. This multi-functional power distribution system eliminates the need for separate power sources for each auger, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to operate multiple augers simultaneously for improved grain transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydrostatic power unit is used to drive multiple augers through hydraulic power distribution. This allows a single power source to efficiently control multiple augers with independent speed and torque control, simplifying the power distribution architecture while enabling high-productivity multi-auger operation.
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 system enables precise grain yield measurement and rapid unloading, reducing weight fluctuations and enhancing operational stability by distributing power effectively across the auger system, allowing for instantaneous high torque during startup and clog-clearing.
Implementation Method 1
A grain yield sensor is carried by the rear grain cart and is located adjacent and to and beside the grain auger assembly wherein the auger housed therewithin throws grain against the grain yield sensor
Implementation Method 2
combined with a hydrostatic power distribution system for efficient auger operation
Data Source
AI summary
A grain harvesting articulated combine includes a forward crop processing power unit (PPU), a rear grain cart, and an articulation joint that connects the PPU with the rear grain cart. The articulation joint includes a grain auger assembly running from the PPU to the rear grain cart for transferring clean grain from the PPU to the rear grain cart and has a forward end at the PPU and a rear end adjacent to the rear grain cart. The grain auger assembly is housed within a tube with a rotating auger housed therein. A grain yield sensor is carried by the rear grain cart and is located adjacent and to and beside the grain auger assembly wherein the auger housed therewithin throws grain against the grain yield sensor. The auger is terminated by a rotating paddle assembly that throws the grain against the grain yield sensor.