Harvester Crop Residue Distribution Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring systems for agricultural harvesters are inadequate in assessing the uniform distribution of chopped straw over the entire width of the harvester's header, which is crucial for effective fertilization of the soil.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system comprising a plurality of sensors that emit measurement waves, such as ultrasonic or radar pulses, to the discharge area and receive reflected waves, with a processing unit analyzing these signals to determine the distribution and uniformity of crop residue across the header width, enabling precise monitoring and adjustment of the spreading process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single camera or pair of ultrasonic sensors is used to monitor chopped straw distribution, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and coverage of the discharge area are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge area is divided into multiple measurement zones, each monitored by a dedicated sensor. The plurality of sensors is arranged to cover different portions of the discharge area, allowing independent measurement of chopped straw distribution in each zone. This segmentation enables comprehensive coverage and precise localization of distribution patterns across the entire width of the header.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system transitions from point-based or line-based measurement to area-based measurement by deploying sensors in a two-dimensional arrangement across the discharge area. This spatial distribution of sensors enables assessment of distribution not only across the width but also across the depth of the discharge area, providing a comprehensive three-dimensional understanding of straw placement.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are deployed to cover the entire discharge area width, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor in the plurality serves multiple functions: it detects the presence of chopped straw, measures the distribution pattern, and provides spatial localization information. The sensors are designed to be interchangeable and standardized, allowing the same sensor type to be used across all positions in the array, simplifying installation and maintenance while achieving comprehensive coverage.
3Loss of information
If traditional monitoring methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to assess uniform distribution across the header width is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system provides real-time feedback on chopped straw distribution by continuously measuring and analyzing signals from the sensor array. The processing unit evaluates the distribution uniformity across the discharge area and can provide immediate feedback to the operator or automatically adjust spreader assembly operations to correct non-uniform distribution patterns, ensuring optimal fertilization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides accurate assessment of crop residue distribution, ensuring uniform spreading and optimal fertilization by adjusting the operation of the spreader assembly, thereby improving soil fertilization and crop growth.
Implementation Method 1
receive a plurality of response waves reflected from the discharge area
Data Source
AI summary
A combine harvester including an aft portion, a spreader assembly, a monitoring system, and a processing unit. The monitoring system including sensors coupled to the aft portion. The sensors: receiving a plurality of response waves reflected from a portion of the crop residue that is discharged from the spreader assembly toward a discharge area before the portion of crop residue arrives at the discharge area; and sending a response signal representative of the plurality of response waves reflected from the portion of the crop residue, the reflected waves comprising a sequence of multiple reflections distributed over time. The processing unit receiving the response signal from the plurality of sensors; and processing the response signal to determine a reflected energy distribution from the portion of the crop residue representative of a distribution of the crop residue over the discharge area substantially perpendicular to a travel direction of the combine harvester.