Combine Harvester Reel Height Control via Crop Flow Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combine harvesters face challenges in automatically adjusting the height of the reel to optimize crop flow and reduce harvest losses, particularly during the harvesting of grain and rapeseed, as manual adjustments are labor-intensive and insufficient for varying crop conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an automatic height adjustment system for the reel, utilizing sensors to detect fluctuations in crop flow and overspray losses, with a control unit that adjusts the reel's height and position based on real-time data from sensors placed within the cutting unit, feederhouse, and threshing mechanism, allowing for continuous optimization of crop flow and reduction of losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of the reel height is used, then the operator can control the harvesting process, but the labor intensity increases and the ability to respond to varying crop conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect crop flow conditions and provides feedback to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the reel height. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates manual intervention while maintaining adaptability to varying crop conditions through continuous monitoring and automatic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic height adjustment system enables the combine harvester to self-regulate the reel position based on sensor inputs regarding crop flow conditions. The system serves itself by automatically adapting to crop variations without requiring operator intervention, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining versatility.
2Device complexity
If the reel height is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to optimize crop flow and reduce harvest losses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reel height is changed from a fixed parameter to a dynamic one that can be automatically adjusted based on crop flow conditions. The height-adjustable reel mechanism allows the system to adapt its configuration in real-time, optimizing crop flow and reducing harvest losses while adding only moderate complexity through the adjustment mechanism.
3Productivity
If the cutting width is increased, then the productivity increases, but the ability to monitor and adjust the reel height across the entire width deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manual monitoring and adjustment mechanism is replaced with an automated sensor-based control system. Multiple sensors distributed across the cutting width detect crop flow conditions, and the control unit processes this information to automatically adjust the reel height, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while maintaining ease of operation across the entire cutting width.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The harvester (1) has a cutting tool (2) comprising a reel (8) and a cutting platform trough (5). The reel is guided at the trough over supporting arms (9) and height-adjustable opposite to a cutting table (4). A sensor (44) determines actual value of height of the reel, and an inclined conveyor (11) is connected with the trough. A control unit (32) is connected with the sensor and a measuring element for detecting harvest conditions of the harvester. The measuring element detects fluctuations of crop flux in a conveying unit and/or stock amount and/or spraying grain losses. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a combine harvester.