Harvester Foreign Body Detection Using X-Ray Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foreign body detection systems in agricultural harvesting machines are inadequate as they fail to detect non-ferromagnetic objects, are sensitive to bystanders due to high-intensity wave usage, or pose health risks with radioactive sources, and are ineffective for smaller or softer foreign objects.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting machine equipped with an X-ray tube as a photon source and photon detectors along the channel, which uses X-rays to detect foreign bodies by measuring intensity changes, activating a quick-stop mechanism to prevent damage and contamination, while minimizing radiation exposure to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ferromagnetic detection devices are used to detect foreign bodies, then ferromagnetic foreign bodies can be detected, but non-ferromagnetic foreign bodies cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from ferromagnetic properties to X-ray absorption properties. By using X-rays with specific energy ranges (10-200 keV), the system can detect all types of foreign bodies regardless of their magnetic properties, as different materials have different X-ray absorption coefficients.
2Measurement precision
If high-intensity waves (ultrasound, microwaves, X-rays) are used to detect foreign bodies, then detection sensitivity is improved, but bystanders are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the X-ray energy parameter to balance detection sensitivity and safety. By using X-rays in the 10-200 keV range with controlled intensity, the system achieves sufficient detection capability while minimizing harmful effects on bystanders compared to higher intensity waves.
3Measurement precision
If radioactive radiation sources (Americium 242) are used for foreign body detection, then foreign bodies can be detected through gamma ray absorption, but health risks arise from having a radioactive source on board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful radioactive source from the system and replaces it with an X-ray tube that generates X-rays on demand. This eliminates the persistent health risk of having a radioactive source on board while maintaining the detection capability through controlled X-ray generation only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the long-lived radioactive source with a controllable X-ray tube that generates short-lived X-ray pulses only when detection is needed. This allows the system to achieve the same detection function without the ongoing health risks associated with permanent radioactive sources.
4Measurement precision
If X-ray energy is increased to improve detection sensitivity, then smaller and softer foreign objects can be detected, but radiation exposure to operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the X-ray energy parameter within the 10-200 keV range to achieve adequate detection sensitivity for smaller and softer foreign objects while controlling radiation exposure. This parameter optimization allows the system to detect a broader range of foreign body types without proportionally increasing operator risk.
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
Effectively detects foreign bodies in real-time, preventing machine damage and crop contamination by stopping the intake conveyor, while ensuring operator safety through controlled X-ray usage and precise detection circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
a photon source in the form of an X-ray tube is arranged... A photon detector is provided at the bottom or top of the channel
Implementation Method 2
If a foreign body now enters the channel, the intensity of the radiation detected by the photon detector will decrease
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a harvester (10) comprising a channel (52) through which harvested goods can pass, a photon source (60) in the form of an X-ray tube disposed at the upper or lower face of the channel (52), a photon detector (64) opposite the photon source (60), and a detection circuit (66) connected to the photon detector (64), which is set up for stopping an infeed conveyor of the harvester (10) in event that a foreign body is detected by means of the intensity received by the photon detector (64), and is connected to a rapid stop device (68) for stopping the infeed conveyor of the harvester (10).