Harvester Flow Rate Sensor Calibration via Weight Data Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Harvester flow rate sensors experience errors due to drifting or outdated calibrations, necessitating a simpler and more cost-effective method for updating calibration values during the unloading process of crop material to a transport vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a yield sensor, a wireless communication device, and a computing system that determines a yield sensor calibration update by analyzing the time rate of change of weight data from a transport vehicle's weight sensor and flow rate data from the harvester, using a steady state time window to calculate a calibration update.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used for flow rate sensors, then calibration accuracy may be maintained, but the process becomes complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically comparing flow rate sensor readings with weight sensor measurements during the unloading process. The computing system calculates calibration updates without requiring manual intervention or external calibration equipment, allowing the harvester to calibrate its own flow rate sensor using data already being collected during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where flow rate sensor data and weight sensor data are continuously compared, and calibration updates are generated based on the discrepancy between measured flow rate and actual weight change. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically correct sensor drift by using the weight sensor as a reference standard.
2Reliability
If calibration updates are performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then measurement reliability improves, but time and operational resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process occurs continuously during the unloading operation rather than requiring separate calibration events. The system uses the unloading process itself as the calibration opportunity, comparing flow rate measurements with weight measurements in real-time, thus maintaining continuous calibration without interrupting harvest operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares calibration updates during the unloading process by continuously collecting and comparing data, so that calibration is already updated by the time the next harvesting cycle begins. This preliminary calibration action ensures readiness for accurate yield estimation without requiring post-operation calibration time.
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration procedures are used, then calibration can be performed, but operational simplicity and cost-effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with an automated computational process. The computing system automatically processes sensor data, calculates calibration updates, and applies corrections without requiring physical adjustment of sensor components or manual intervention, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvester system performs its own calibration automatically using its existing sensors and computing resources. No external calibration equipment, specialists, or manual procedures are needed - the system uses its weight sensor as a reference and automatically adjusts its flow rate sensor calibration, making the process simple and cost-effective.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for calibrating a harvester. The system includes a yield sensor configured to detect a flow of crop material discharged from the harvester and output data indicative of a flow rate of the crop material, and a wireless communication device configured to receive a transport vehicle communication from a transport vehicle. The transport vehicle communication includes a weight of a crop material in a transport receptacle. The system also includes a computing system in data communication with the wireless communication device. The computing system is configured to determine a time rate of change of the weight and is further configured to determine a yield sensor calibration update based on a time delay determination between the flow rate of the crop materials and the time rate of change of the weight.