Harvester Cost-of-Harvest Control Using Fuel and Grain Loss Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural machines lack real-time control systems to optimize the cost of harvest by considering factors such as fuel consumption, grain loss, labor costs, and machine depreciation, leading to inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A control system with sensors for fuel and grain loss detection, combined with a controller that calculates and displays the real-time cost of harvest, adjusting machine functions to minimize costs based on input data and predefined thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the machine operates at higher speed to increase productivity, then the harvest output increases, but the fuel consumption and operating costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvest outputVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors operating parameters including fuel consumption rate, harvest rate, and cost metrics in real-time. This feedback loop enables the system to detect when operating costs are increasing and automatically adjust machine functions to optimize the balance between productivity and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts machine operating parameters such as ground speed, header height, and processing rates based on real-time conditions. This dynamic control allows the machine to adapt its productivity and energy consumption levels to achieve optimal cost of harvest under varying field conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the machine operates at higher speed to increase productivity, then the harvest output increases, but the grain loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvest outputVSAvoidgrain loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors grain loss metrics alongside productivity measurements. When grain loss exceeds acceptable thresholds, the system receives feedback and automatically adjusts operating parameters to reduce loss while maintaining acceptable productivity levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operating parameters such as ground speed, header height, and processing rates to optimize the balance between harvest output and grain loss. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains productivity while minimizing substance loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the machine operates at lower speed to reduce fuel consumption, then the operating cost decreases, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidharvest output

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes operating parameters to find the most efficient operating point that minimizes fuel consumption per unit of harvest. By adjusting parameters such as ground speed, header height, and processing rates, the system achieves lower energy consumption without proportionally reducing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors the ratio of fuel consumption to harvest output and uses this feedback to adjust operating parameters. This enables the system to maintain productivity while minimizing energy consumption by operating at optimal efficiency points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of substance

If the machine operates at lower speed to reduce grain loss, then the grain loss decreases, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrain lossVSAvoidharvest output

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts operating parameters to minimize grain loss while maintaining acceptable productivity levels. By optimizing parameters such as ground speed, header height, and processing rates, the system achieves lower grain loss without proportionally reducing harvest output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12575493B2System and method for controlling machine based on cost of harvest

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A control system of an agricultural machine for performing a harvest operation includes a controller having a memory unit and a processor. The control system also includes a fuel sensor, a grain loss sensor and at least one user control of a plurality of user controls disposed in communication with the controller. The memory unit includes a plurality of instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the processor, causes the control system to receive a plurality of inputs via the controller including the rate of fuel from the fuel sensor, the amount of grain loss from the grain loss sensor, and one or more preset cost values from the at least one user control, process the plurality of inputs to determine a current cost of harvest value, and output a current cost of harvest value during the harvest operation.