Harvester Elevator Sensor Assembly for Real-Time Material Weight Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesters, such as sugarcane harvesters, face challenges in monitoring the amount of processed harvested material during operation, making it difficult to accurately assess the quantity and composition of the material being handled.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elevator with a sensor assembly and a computing system that generates an estimated weight and composition of the harvested material based on data from vision-based and load sensors, allowing for real-time monitoring and accurate tracking of material quantities and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring methods are used for harvested material, then the system is simple, but the measurement precision of material quantity and composition is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (vision sensors, load sensors, moisture sensors, NIRS sensors) into an integrated sensor assembly that simultaneously monitors multiple parameters (weight, volume, moisture content, composition) of harvested material, resolving the contradiction by merging measurement functions to achieve high precision without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed as a multi-functional monitoring system that can measure various properties (mass, volume, moisture, composition) of different harvested materials (sugarcane, corn, soybeans) using the same platform, achieving universal measurement capability that maintains precision across diverse applications
2Measurement precision
If frequent recalibration is performed to maintain accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the productivity decreases due to operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration using reference objects with known properties (zero-point calibration with empty container, span calibration with standard weights) automatically during operation, eliminating the need for manual recalibration by operators and maintaining measurement precision without interrupting productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors measurement data and automatically adjusts calibration parameters based on feedback from reference measurements and environmental sensors, maintaining measurement precision dynamically throughout operation without requiring manual intervention that would reduce productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A system for an agricultural harvester system can include an elevator configured to receive a flow of a harvested material. A chain can have a first portion positioned above the elevator and a second portion positioned below the elevator. A sensor assembly can be positioned between the elevator and the second portion. The sensor assembly can have a field of view that is directed towards a top portion of the elevator and configured to generate a first set of data. A computing system can be communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly. The computing system can be configured to receive the first set of data and generate an estimated weight of the harvested material based at least partially on the first set of data associated with the harvested material transferred along the elevator during a defined interval.