Combine Harvester Residue Distribution Under Crosswind Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating self-propelled combine harvesters fail to effectively account for crosswind influences on the distribution of residual crop flow, leading to uneven distribution of residual material on the field.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize sensors to detect crosswind conditions and adjust a movable guide element in the axial separator's discharge area to maintain a balanced distribution of the residual material stream, using a feedback loop to continuously correct for deviations from a target distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a distribution device is used to discharge residual material stream from the combine harvester, then the residual material can be distributed across the feed width, but crosswind influences cause uneven distribution of the residual material on the field
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives signals from sensor units detecting the actual distribution of residual material stream and automatically adjusts the guide element position to minimize deviation from target distribution, creating a closed-loop feedback system that compensates for crosswind effects in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own sensor units and control device to automatically detect and correct distribution deviations caused by crosswind, enabling the distribution device to self-adjust without external intervention and maintain optimal performance under varying wind conditions
2Manufacturing precision
If the guide element is manually adjusted to achieve target distribution, then the residual material can be distributed uniformly, but the system cannot adapt to changing crosswind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is made dynamically adjustable through an actuator controlled by a control device that receives real-time feedback from sensor units, allowing the system to continuously adapt the guide element position in response to changing crosswind conditions rather than being fixed or manually adjusted
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensor units to detect distribution deviations and electronically controls an actuator to adjust the guide element, substituting human operation with an automated sensing and actuation system
3Manufacturing precision
If sensor units are added to detect actual distribution and control device is added to adjust guide element, then distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it receives signals from sensor units, processes the distribution deviation data, determines the appropriate correction, and controls the actuator to adjust the guide element, consolidating control functions into a single integrated device rather than separate components
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating a self-propelled combine harvester (1), wherein a residual crop flow generated by an axial separator (2) is fed to a downstream distribution device (9, 24) which discharges the residual crop flow from the combine harvester (1), wherein the axial separator (2) has at least one guide element (7) movable by an actuator (31) in the end-side crop discharge area (GA), by which an actual distribution of the exiting residual crop flow over the feed width of the distribution device (9, 24) is influenced, wherein the actual distribution of the residual crop flow is detected by at least one sensor unit (10) and, if a deviation from a predetermined target distribution is detected, the guide element (7) is readjusted, wherein at least one signal representing a crosswind is received from at least one signal source (34,35) is provided to a control device (14) and is used by the control device (14) as a disturbance variable in the automatic readjustment of the at least one guide element (7).