Harvester Crop Discharge Control via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural crop transfer systems from harvesting machines to transport vehicles are inefficient, requiring significant operator effort to ensure uniform loading and are prone to crop loss due to manual adjustment of discharging devices, especially when the transport vehicle deviates from its intended position.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit that generates control signals for actuators controlling the discharging device's position and direction based on sensor data and operator inputs, allowing for automated alignment and adjustment to optimize crop impingement on the transport vehicle, while also learning from operator corrections to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of the discharging device position is used, then the operator can adjust the discharge position, but the operator becomes tired and less efficient due to continuous manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically adjusts the discharging device position based on sensor feedback without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system monitors the actual discharge position and autonomously corrects deviations, allowing the operator to focus on other tasks while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the discharge position and feed this information back to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts the discharging device to maintain optimal positioning, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transport vehicle deviates from its desired position, then the operator must manually readjust the discharging device, but this increases the time and effort required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the relative position between the harvesting machine and transport vehicle through sensors. When deviations occur, the system automatically detects these changes and adjusts the discharging device position in real-time, eliminating the need for manual readjustment and minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to changing positions of the transport vehicle by continuously adjusting the discharging device orientation. This dynamic response allows the system to maintain optimal discharge positioning despite vehicle movements or deviations from the intended path.
3Manufacturing precision
If the discharging device is not adjusted in its discharge position, then the loading container can be filled uniformly, but crop loss occurs when the transport vehicle deviates from its desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to monitor the actual discharge position and compares it with the desired position. When deviations are detected that would cause crop loss, the control system automatically adjusts the discharging device to maintain precise alignment, preventing crop loss while ensuring uniform loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system autonomously maintains optimal discharge positioning by continuously self-adjusting based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual intervention while preventing crop loss through automatic position correction.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for controlling material transfer from a harvesting machine. More specifically, an apparatus and method for transfer of an agricultural crop from a harvesting machine having a crop discharging device to a transport vehicle comprising a crop loading container while the harvesting machine and the transport vehicle travel on a field.