Harvester Conveyor Alignment Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing calibration processes for aligning the conveyor outlet of a harvester with a storage compartment in agricultural product transportation systems often result in uneven distribution of agricultural products and increased loss due to misalignment, leading to inefficiencies in the harvesting process.
Innovation Solution
A control system that establishes bounding shapes on both sides of the harvester, automatically engages product flow based on the position of the storage compartment relative to the harvester, and terminates flow when the conveyor outlet is outside the target unloading area, ensuring precise alignment and efficient transfer of products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual calibration process is used to align storage compartment with conveyor outlet, then alignment can be achieved, but agricultural product distribution becomes uneven and product loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to precisely position the storage compartment. The control system automatically adjusts the storage compartment position based on detected conveyor outlet position, eliminating manual intervention that causes misalignment and product loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where sensors detect the position of the conveyor outlet relative to the storage compartment, the control processor analyzes this position information, and actuators adjust the storage compartment position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise alignment and prevents product loss by continuously monitoring and correcting positioning errors.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual calibration process is used, then alignment can be established, but the process is time-consuming and reduces harvesting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual calibration operations with an automated electronic control system that rapidly establishes and maintains alignment. The system continuously monitors positions and makes real-time adjustments without human intervention, significantly reducing the time required for alignment while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous alignment maintenance throughout the harvesting operation. Once the control system is activated, it continuously monitors and adjusts the storage compartment position to maintain optimal alignment with the conveyor outlet, eliminating the need for repeated manual calibration and ensuring consistent precision throughout the entire harvesting process.
3Manufacturing precision
If automatic control system is implemented, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the control system to perform multiple functions: detecting conveyor outlet position, processing alignment data, controlling actuators, and monitoring product flow. By consolidating these functions into an integrated control system, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to automatically detect, process, and correct alignment issues without external intervention. The system self-regulates by continuously monitoring its own performance and making necessary adjustments, reducing the need for complex external monitoring and control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a work vehicle includes a controller configured to establish a first bounding shape within a storage compartment. The controller is also configured to establish a second bounding shape by mirroring the first bounding shape along a lateral centerline of the work vehicle. In addition, the controller is configured to automatically engage product flow from a conveyor outlet to the storage compartment in response to the storage compartment being positioned on a first lateral side of the work vehicle and the conveyor outlet being positioned within the first bounding shape, and to automatically engage product flow from the conveyor outlet to the storage compartment in response to the storage compartment being positioned on a second lateral side of the work vehicle and the conveyor outlet being positioned within the second bounding shape.