Harvesting Machine Crop Yield Measurement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current harvesting machines face challenges in efficiently and accurately measuring the amount of crops stored in their tanks, particularly due to the need for precise measurement setups and potential errors from load cell changes over time, as well as issues with inclination and vibration affecting measurement reliability.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting machine with a crop tank, a measuring device, and an unloader apparatus, featuring a control system that allows for both precise and simplified measurement methods, including device setting processing for stable measurement conditions, and the ability to convert measurement values into yield using a conversion table based on crop type data from a management center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise measurement oriented device setting processing is performed to stabilize the vehicle body and ensure accurate measurement conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement methods based on operational context. The control part switches between precise measurement (with full device setting processing including vehicle body stabilization) and simplified measurement (without complete stabilization procedures) depending on whether the unloader apparatus is operating, allowing optimal balance between precision and time efficiency in different working conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system changes its operational parameters by selecting different measurement modes. When the unloader apparatus is not operating, the system performs precise measurement with complete device setting processing. When the unloader is operating, it switches to simplified measurement, changing the measurement parameters to match the operational state and reduce time loss
2Measurement precision
If load cell is used to measure the weight of grain tank and calculate crop weight, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to errors from load cell attachment part changes over time and container changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements zero point adjustment as a feedback mechanism to correct measurement errors. The control part periodically performs zero point adjustment by measuring the weight of the empty grain tank and using this information to compensate for drift in load cell readings caused by attachment part changes or container variations, thereby maintaining measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary zero point adjustment measurements to establish a baseline before actual crop weight measurement. By measuring the empty tank weight in advance and storing this as reference data, the system prepares compensation values that will be used to calculate accurate crop weights, preventing error accumulation from load cell drift
3Productivity
If simplified measurement is performed without precise measurement oriented device setting processing, then productivity is improved by reducing measurement time, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects measurement precision level based on operational context. During unloader apparatus operation when time is critical, simplified measurement is used for quick assessments. During non-operational periods when time is available, precise measurement with full device setting is performed to ensure high accuracy, creating a dynamic adaptation to productivity requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial measurement processing when full precise measurement is not necessary. Simplified measurement performs essential weight detection without the complete device setting processing sequence, providing sufficient accuracy for time-sensitive operations while avoiding unnecessary time consumption from excessive stabilization procedures
4Productivity
If the unloader apparatus operates during harvesting, then productivity is improved by continuous crop discharge, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to vibration and changing load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts measurement timing to the operational state of the unloader apparatus. Measurement is performed selectively during periods when the unloader is not actively discharging crops, when vibration levels are lower and load conditions are more stable. This dynamic timing adjustment allows continuous productivity through unloader operation while ensuring reliable measurements during suitable windows
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous productivity by operating the unloader apparatus continuously for crop discharge, while measurement actions are performed continuously during suitable intervals when vibration is minimal. The control part ensures that measurement function remains available and reliable without interrupting the continuous unloading operation, achieving both continuous productivity and periodic reliable measurement
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
Enables flexible and accurate measurement of crop yield through precise or simplified methods, improving measurement reliability by stabilizing the vehicle body and reducing measurement errors, while allowing for efficient crop discharge and recordkeeping.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell that measures the weight of the grain tank, and that can calculate the weight of crop in the grain tank
Data Source
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AI summary
A harvesting machine includes: a crop tank; a measuring device that measures an amount of crop that has been stored in the crop tank; an unloader apparatus that discharges crop that has been stored in the crop tank to an outside; a device control part that executes precise measurement oriented device setting processing; a measurement control part including a precise measurement execution part that performs, by the measuring device, precise measurement which involves the precise measurement oriented device setting processing, and a simplified measurement execution part that executes, by the measuring device, simplified measurement which does not involve the precise measurement oriented device setting processing; an operational instruction processing part that outputs a precise measurement instruction and a simplified measurement instruction in response to an operation performed by using a manual operation device; and aa measurement result recording part that, before the unloader apparatus performs crop discharging work, rewrites a simplified measurement result that has been recorded based on a preceding simplified measurement instruction, with a precise measurement result that is based on a succeeding precise measurement instruction.