Agricultural Harvester Dispatch Algorithm for Unloading Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The coordination of multiple agricultural machines in a field is often manual, leading to delays, inefficiencies, and insufficient space for unloading, especially when multiple combines operate together, resulting in inefficient use of time and fuel.
Innovation Solution
A planner or dispatch algorithm coordinates the movements and activities of agricultural machines and service vehicles by dividing the field into logical chunks of work, prioritizing assignments to minimize delays and ensure efficient unloading, and is capable of adjusting to changes and interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple combines operate simultaneously in a field, then harvesting productivity increases, but coordination efficiency deteriorates due to manual processes and insufficient unloading space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central coordinator system that acts as an intermediary between multiple combines and haul vehicles. This coordinator receives status information from combines, determines optimal assignments, and communicates directions to both combines and vehicles, replacing manual coordination and resolving the efficiency deterioration caused by multiple machines operating simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual coordination process with an electronic information-based system. Sensors on combines provide real-time status data to the coordinator, which then uses algorithmic logic to determine assignments and communicate directions electronically, substituting human operators' manual coordination with an automated information processing system
2Loss of time
If combines are positioned close together for efficient field coverage, then time utilization improves, but unloading accessibility deteriorates due to insufficient space for haul vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinator determines haul vehicle assignments and routing in advance before combines need unloading. By pre-planning which vehicles will service which combines and determining optimal paths through the field, the system ensures that when a combine needs unloading, the appropriate vehicle is already positioned or en route, eliminating the need to compromise combine positioning for unloading access
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors combine status through sensors that provide real-time feedback to the coordinator. This feedback loop allows the coordinator to dynamically adjust assignments and vehicle routing based on current combine positions, grain tank levels, and vehicle locations, ensuring that combines can maintain optimal positioning while unloading needs are met through coordinated vehicle deployment
3Device complexity
If manual coordination is used for multiple agricultural machines, then system complexity remains low, but productivity deteriorates due to delays and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination system is segmented into distinct functional modules: sensor units on combines for status monitoring, a central coordinator for decision-making, and communication interfaces for directing machines and vehicles. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity through modular design while achieving high productivity through coordinated control of multiple harvesters and service vehicles
Data Source
AI summary
A system has an algorithm for organizing the actions of agricultural machines and servicing vehicles in a field. The algorithm divides the field into logical chunks of work, including at least one swath within at least one headland and within at least one land, which it then assigns to the agricultural machines in order. Priority is first given to working the headlands, then to working swaths within lands where an agricultural machine can perform its function while remaining accessible to the servicing vehicles. When the agricultural machine is in an area where it is not accessible to a servicing vehicle and needs service, the agricultural machine creates an impromptu servicing area. This may be an area within a swath that the agricultural machine has cleared of crops in order to provide the servicing vehicle, such as a haul vehicle or grain cart, access to the agricultural machine and space to turn around.