Harvester Discharge Control for Automated Crop Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current agricultural harvesting systems require significant manual effort and expertise to control the position of discharge devices and monitor fill levels of transport vehicles, leading to inefficiencies and crop loss when switching between vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A control arrangement that uses sensor signals to automatically adjust the position of the discharge device and the transport vehicle relative to the harvesting machine, enabling seamless transfer of crops between multiple loading containers with minimal manual intervention and reduced crop loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual control of discharge device position is used, then the driver can adjust to different loading container positions, but the driver's attention is significantly occupied and work becomes tiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of discharge device controlVSAvoiddriver attention occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation where the discharge device automatically tracks and follows the loading container position without requiring continuous manual adjustment. The control system processes sensor data and autonomously positions the discharge device, allowing the driver to perform other tasks simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical control of the discharge device is replaced by an automated control system that uses sensors to detect loading container position and automatically adjusts the discharge device position through actuators, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual monitoring of fill level is used, then the driver can detect when loading container is full, but switching to second transport vehicle becomes difficult and requires great experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefill level detection accuracyVSAvoidvehicle switching operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback by using sensors to monitor the fill level of the loading container and providing real-time information to the control system. When the container reaches its capacity, the system automatically triggers the vehicle switching sequence, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and complex driver decisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically positioning the discharge device toward a second waiting transport vehicle before the first vehicle is completely full. This preparatory positioning simplifies the switching operation and reduces crop loss during the transition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If discharge device is manually redirected between vehicles, then loading can continue, but harvested material falls to ground and is lost in production chain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous loading capabilityVSAvoidcrop loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous useful action by automatically tracking the loading container and maintaining optimal discharge positioning throughout the entire loading process. The discharge device continuously adjusts its position based on real-time sensor data, ensuring material is always directed into the container without falling to the ground

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the discharge device and the transport vehicle, using sensor data to mediate the positioning and ensure seamless transfer of material. This intermediary control prevents gaps in the discharge stream that would cause material loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2266383B1Control assembly for controlling the transfer of harvested agricultural goods from a harvester to a transport vehicle with a loading container

Publication Date: 2012.11.21 DEERE & CO

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AI summary

The control arrangement is operable based on signals from sensor arrangements (126,126') detecting the level or the outer contours of loading containers (18,18'). The sensor arrangement is also arranged to detect the position of a loading container and that the control arrangement is operable to detect a total of sufficiently filled former storage container. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling the overloading of agricultural crops from a harvester on a transport vehicle.