Combine Harvester Interface for Crop-Specific Setting Ranges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current combine harvester operator interfaces only display current operating parameters without providing context on whether these settings are appropriate for the type of crop being harvested, leading to potential incorrect settings and unsatisfactory harvesting results.
Innovation Solution
An operator interface for combine harvesters that includes a display device showing a diagram with an elongated element, scale, and markings representing lower and upper limits of operating parameters specific to the type of crop, allowing operators to easily assess and adjust settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only current operating parameter values are displayed without contextual information, then the display device shows simple numerical or graphical data, but the operator cannot determine whether the settings are appropriate for the crop type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the display by showing not only the current parameter value but also the optimal range for the specific crop type. This is achieved by displaying the actual value, minimum recommended value, and maximum recommended value simultaneously, transforming a one-dimensional value display into a multi-dimensional information presentation that includes contextual boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The display information is segmented into distinct components: the actual operating parameter value, the minimum recommended value for the crop type, and the maximum recommended value. This segmentation allows the operator to quickly compare the current setting against the optimal range without information overload.
2Reliability
If the operator interface provides detailed information about optimal parameter ranges, then the operator can make better settings decisions, but the information processing and display requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines and stores the optimal minimum and maximum parameter ranges for different crop types before the harvesting operation. This preliminary preparation allows the interface to quickly retrieve and display relevant information without complex real-time calculations, reducing processing complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the display shows only numerical values, then the interface is simple, but a less experienced operator cannot identify whether the operating parameter is appropriate
Solution Approach 1:
The display uses color coding to indicate whether the current operating parameter is within the optimal range. By assigning specific colors to different status conditions (e.g., green for optimal, yellow for warning, red for incorrect), the system provides intuitive visual feedback that makes parameter assessment easy even for less experienced operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds visual dimensionality to the numerical display by incorporating graphical elements such as bar charts or progress indicators that show the position of the current value relative to the optimal range boundaries. This visual representation transforms abstract numbers into intuitive visual information that is easier to interpret.
Data Source
AI summary
An operator interface for a combine harvester, having a display device, input means and a processor configured to activate the display device such that the display device depicts having an elongated element, a scale being assigned thereto, and a first marking, the position thereof relative to the elongated element depending on an operating parameter of the threshing device and/or the cleaning device. A second marking and/or third marking, which represents a lower and/or upper limit of the setting range of the operating parameter which is predetermined depending on the type of crop, is assigned to the elongated element in the diagram.