Combine Harvester Settings Interface for Remote Adjustment Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for managing and monitoring combine harvesters face challenges in real-time performance assessment and remote setting adjustments, leading to inefficiencies and potential operator distractions due to delayed communication and human error.

Innovation Solution

A remote control interface system that enables real-time monitoring and control of combine harvesters through a network, allowing fleet managers to access performance metrics, adjust settings, and communicate directly with the machines, reducing the need for manual phone calls and minimizing operator distractions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual adjustments and phone calls are used for remote monitoring and control, then operator communication is possible, but time delays and human errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidtime delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual phone call communication with an automated electronic data transmission system. Sensors on the combine harvester directly transmit operational data through a network to remote computing systems, eliminating the mechanical/manual process of phone calls and reducing both time delay and human error in communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a networked computing system as an intermediary between the combine harvester and the remote operator. This intermediary automatically receives, processes, and transmits data, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct human-to-human communication delays and errors while maintaining reliable information flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple settings need to be adjusted on the combine, then comprehensive control is achieved, but operator distraction and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesettings control capabilityVSAvoidoperator distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows remote operators to adjust multiple combine settings without being present in the operator's compartment. The automated interface enables comprehensive control of threshing clearance, rotor speed, fan speed, and other parameters while the combine operates autonomously, eliminating operator distraction while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the control system into separate functional modules, each handling specific settings adjustments. This segmentation allows complex multi-parameter control to be broken down into manageable, independent adjustments that can be made remotely without overwhelming the operator or increasing distraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If detailed performance monitoring is implemented, then operational assessment accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal data transmission and processing system that handles multiple performance parameters (threshing efficiency, grain loss, fuel consumption, etc.) through a single integrated network infrastructure. This multi-functional approach achieves detailed performance monitoring accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity, as one system serves multiple measurement functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3418827B1Locally controlling settings on a combine harvester based on a remote settings adjustment
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 DEERE & CO
  • EP3418827B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3418827B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3418827B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display controller controls a display device in a harvester to display an interface showing adjustments to combine harvester settings, received from a remote computing system, along with an adjustment actuator. A settings adjustment is made based on user actuation of the adjustment actuator input is received through the settings adjustment actuator on the displayed interface. A verification notification is sent to the remote computing system, showing the adjusted settings on the combine.