Harvester Unload Conveyor Alignment Using Radar and Camera Guidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The synchronization of agricultural machine operations, particularly the alignment of combine and forage harvesters with receiving vehicles during unloading, is laborious and challenging due to limited visibility, environmental conditions, and the need for precise positioning, which existing technologies fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system equipped with an electromagnetic detecting and ranging module and a camera on agricultural harvesters to detect and align the unload conveyor with the receiving vehicle, using computing devices to generate graphic data for a graphical user interface, assisting operators or automating the alignment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment of receiving vehicle with unload conveyor is used, then operator control flexibility is maintained, but alignment accuracy and operational efficiency deteriorate due to limited visibility and labor challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment system consisting of electromagnetic detecting modules, cameras, and a graphical user interface that mediates between the operator and the alignment task. The system detects relative positions, generates visual guidance representations, and presents them to the operator, thereby improving alignment accuracy while preserving operator control flexibility through assisted rather than fully automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical/manual alignment process with an electromechanical system that uses electromagnetic detecting modules, cameras, and computer-generated visual representations. This substitution enhances measurement precision by providing real-time positional data and visual feedback, while the operator retains flexibility through the graphical interface that guides rather than dictates alignment actions
2Productivity
If receiving vehicle operator manually aligns grain bin with spout, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity and alignment precision deteriorate due to laborious operation and environmental challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where electromagnetic detecting modules and cameras continuously monitor the relative positions of the unload conveyor and receiving vehicle, and the graphical user interface provides real-time visual feedback to the operator. This feedback loop enables rapid correction of misalignment, improving productivity by reducing the time needed to achieve and maintain proper alignment during unload operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of relative positions before the actual unload operation begins, generating the graphical representation in advance. This preliminary action allows the operator to plan alignment movements more efficiently, reducing the time lost during the unload operation itself while maintaining productivity through better-prepared alignment execution
3Device complexity
If visual alignment methods are used, then simple equipment is required, but measurement precision and detection capability deteriorate in challenging environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection technologies—electromagnetic detecting modules and cameras—into a unified alignment system. This combination compensates for the weaknesses of individual sensors in challenging environmental conditions (such as dust or nighttime), as the electromagnetic modules provide reliable positional data independent of visibility, while cameras provide visual confirmation, together achieving accurate position detection without excessive system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic detecting modules and cameras serve multiple functions: they detect relative positions, determine spatial relationships between unload conveyor and receiving vehicle, and provide data for generating the graphical representation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, maintaining device simplicity while enhancing position detection accuracy across various environmental conditions
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
This solution enhances the accuracy and efficiency of aligning harvesters with receiving vehicles, improving operational safety and reducing labor by providing real-time position data and automated guidance, even in challenging environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic detecting and ranging module for detecting a location of an object relative to the agricultural harvester
Implementation Method 2
a camera for capturing images of an area within a field of view of the electromagnetic detecting and ranging module and generating image data
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An agricultural harvester (10) includes an electromagnetic detecting and ranging module (28) for detecting a location of an object relative to the agricultural harvester (10) and a camera (32) for capturing images of an area within a field of view of the electromagnetic detecting and ranging module (28). One or more computing devices (42, 44) receive first data from the electromagnetic detecting and ranging module (28), the first data indicating the location of the object relative to the agricultural harvester (10), receive image data from the camera (32) and use the image data to determine whether the object is a receiving vehicle (20). If the object is a receiving vehicle (20), the one or more computing devices (42, 44) use the first data and the second data to generate graphic data defining a graphical representation illustrating the relative positions of the unload conveyor (22) and the receiving vehicle (20). An electronic device including a graphical user interface (48) presents the graphical representation on the graphical user interface (48).