Harvesting Machine Weather Sensor Mounting With Auto Deploy Stow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weather detection systems on harvesting machines are often fixedly attached, obstructed by the machine's structure, and require manual activation, leading to inaccurate data collection and neglect in field operation.
Innovation Solution
A retractable weather station mounting system that automatically deploys and stows a mobile sensor assembly with a rotatable rod and sensor, coupled to a tank door's drive mechanism, allowing for accurate weather data collection without operator intervention and minimizing obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed weather detection system is attached to the harvesting machine, then the machine structure provides mounting support, but the system obstructs weather data collection and requires manual activation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is coupled to the tank door mechanism such that it automatically deploys and retracts based on the door's position. When the door opens during field operation, the sensor assembly extends into a deployed position to collect weather data. When the door closes during transport, the sensor assembly retracts to a stowed position. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual activation requirements while ensuring data collection occurs during operational phases.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor assembly is always deployed for data collection, then accurate weather detection is achieved, but the machine height increases and obstruction occurs during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly transitions between two dynamic states based on operational requirements: a deployed position for field operation where the sensor extends above the tank to accurately measure weather conditions without obstruction, and a stowed position for transport where the sensor retracts to minimize machine height and reduce obstruction. The tank door mechanism serves as the actuator that drives this dynamic transformation automatically.
3Extent of automation
If the sensor assembly is mounted on the tank door mechanism, then automated deployment is achieved, but the door mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is coupled to the existing tank door mechanism, allowing this single mechanism to serve multiple functions: (1) open and close the tank door for grain discharge, and (2) deploy and retract the sensor assembly for weather data collection. By making the door mechanism multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate actuation systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving automated sensor deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A harvesting machine includes a chassis, a ground-engaging mechanism for supporting the chassis, and a tank assembly mounted to the chassis for storing a crop material. The tank assembly includes a retractable door for at least partially covering an opening formed in a top of the tank assembly. A mobile sensor assembly includes a rod and a sensor for detecting a weather condition, such that the rod includes a first end coupled to the retractable door and a second end to which the sensor is coupled. The retractable door is operably moved between an open position and a closed position, and the mobile sensor assembly is rotatably moved between a deployed position and a stowed position as the door is moved between the open and closed positions, respectively.