Combine Harvester Feed Roller Controller Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combine harvesters face inefficiencies due to operator-dependent adjustments of operating parameters, which can lead to sub-optimal performance under varying harvest conditions, such as moisture levels and crop types, requiring complex and often incomplete adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An automatic feed roller system connected to a driving assistance system that adjusts operating parameters like working height, speed, and feed finger position based on real-time harvest data, allowing for autonomous optimization of harvesting performance without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual adjustment of operating parameters is used, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but harvesting efficiency and adaptability to changing conditions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharvesting efficiencyVSAvoidoperator control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-adjustment of operating parameters through the controller receiving signals from sensors and autonomously modifying feed roller speed, working height, and feed finger positions without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby maintaining harvesting efficiency while reducing operator burden

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements closed-loop feedback control where sensors continuously monitor harvesting conditions (moisture content, crop type, throughput) and transmit signals to the controller, which automatically adjusts operating parameters based on real-time conditions, resolving the contradiction between automatic optimization and operator control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If operating parameters are adjusted to adapt to changing harvest conditions, then harvesting performance improves, but the complexity and time required for adjustments increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to harvest conditionsVSAvoidadjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters in real-time based on changing harvest conditions through automatic control, eliminating the need for complex manual reconfiguration and allowing the combine harvester to adapt to different crop types, moisture levels, and throughput requirements without increasing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with automated electronic control, where the controller receives electronic signals from sensors and automatically modifies operating parameters through electronic actuators, thereby improving adaptability while reducing the complexity and time of adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If operating parameters are adjusted to adapt to changing harvest conditions, then harvesting performance improves, but the time and effort required for adjustments increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to harvest conditionsVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-adjustment of operating parameters through the controller receiving signals from sensors and autonomously modifying feed roller speed, working height, and feed finger positions without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby maintaining harvesting efficiency while reducing operator burden

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous automatic adjustment of operating parameters throughout the harvesting process without interrupting workflow, allowing the combine harvester to continuously adapt to changing conditions (moisture content, crop type, throughput) while eliminating the time loss associated with manual stopping and reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3552473B1Combine harvester with feed roller controller
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP3552473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3552473B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3552473B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present application relates to a combine harvester (1) for harvesting grain, comprising a cutterbar (2), a feed roller (5) rotatably driven about a rotational axis (4), an inclined conveyor (6) for conveying cut plants (3) towards a threshing drum (7), and a driver assistance system (8) comprising a data processing unit (9) and a data storage unit (10), wherein the feed roller (5) has an elongated roller core (12) extending transversely to a longitudinal axis (11) of the combine harvester (1), wherein the feed roller (5) is equipped with a plurality of feed fingers (13) which, viewed in cross-section of the feed roller (5), project radially beyond an outer surface (14) of the roller core (12) at least in a partial circumferential region of the feed roller (5), wherein the feed roller (5) extends vertically from a top surface is arranged at a working height (16) measured on a cutting table (15),In order to provide a combine harvester and a method for controlling it, by means of which the harvesting of grain can be improved in the presence of changing harvesting parameters, it is proposed according to the invention that the intake roller (5) and the driver assistance system (8) are connected to each other in such a way that they act together as an automatic intake roller, wherein at least one operating parameter of the intake roller (5) can be automatically changed by means of the driver assistance system (8) depending on at least one harvesting parameter.