Header Laser Sensing for Adaptive Harvesting of Lodged Crops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combine harvesters face low accuracy and high labor and time consumption when harvesting crops in a lodging state, as they rely on human observation and manual adjustments, leading to significant waste and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive device equipped with a laser sensor that adjusts its scanning position using a low-power motor to obtain three-dimensional point cloud data, enabling automatic detection of crop state and precise control of the harvesting process, thereby improving accuracy and reducing losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual observation and control terminal adjustment are used to determine crop state, then the combine harvester can be operated, but the harvesting accuracy is low and labor/time consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual observation and control terminal adjustment system with an automated laser sensor detection system. The laser sensor automatically scans crops to detect lodging states, eliminating the need for manual visual assessment and control adjustments, thereby significantly improving harvesting accuracy while reducing operator time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The combine harvester equips itself with laser sensor detection capabilities to autonomously identify crop lodging states. The system performs self-detection and self-adjustment of harvesting parameters without external manual intervention, enabling the machine to service itself in terms of crop state assessment and harvesting optimization.
2Loss of substance
If the harvesting part is lowered to maximize crop harvesting, then crop loss is reduced, but the operating accuracy remains low due to reliance on human judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the laser sensor continuously detects crop lodging states and provides real-time information to the control system. Based on this feedback, the harvesting part position is automatically adjusted to optimize crop capture while minimizing loss, replacing subjective human judgment with objective sensor-based decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser sensor performs preliminary detection of crop lodging states before the harvesting part engages with the crops. This advance detection allows the system to pre-adjust the harvesting part position and parameters to match the actual crop conditions, ensuring optimal harvesting accuracy and minimizing crop loss from the outset.
3Loss of substance
If traditional internal structure improvement is made to reduce internal loss, then some loss is reduced, but the root cause of loss from low harvesting accuracy is not solved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical improvements to reduce internal loss with an optical detection system (laser sensor). Instead of modifying internal harvesting mechanisms, the system uses laser-based crop state detection to identify lodging conditions and adjust harvesting parameters accordingly, providing adaptability to various crop states while reducing overall loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from modifying internal mechanical parameters to adjusting operational parameters based on detected crop states. The laser sensor detects lodging conditions, and the control system adjusts harvesting parameters such as cutting height, header angle, and speed to match the actual crop conditions, thereby reducing loss through adaptive parameter changes rather than fixed mechanical modifications.
4Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is performed for harvesting lodging crops, then the operation can proceed, but reliability is low and labor consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual adjustment operations with an automated laser sensor detection and control system. The laser sensor reliably identifies crop lodging states with high precision, and the control system automatically adjusts harvesting parameters, eliminating the need for manual assessment and adjustment while significantly improving identification reliability and reducing labor consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The combine harvester performs self-adjustment of harvesting parameters based on laser sensor detection of crop states. The system services itself by autonomously identifying lodging conditions and making necessary adjustments without human intervention, thereby improving reliability through consistent sensor-based detection and eliminating variability in manual judgment.
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
The adaptive device enhances harvesting accuracy, reduces labor and time consumption, and increases economic benefits by automatically detecting crop state and adjusting the harvesting process, ensuring efficient operation and minimizing crop loss.
Implementation Method 1
an adaptive device for a header capable of performing lodging detection based on a laser sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive device includes an transmission assembly and a laser sensor control assembly, where the transmission assembly includes a rotating shaft of a roller, a harvesting part, a motor base plate, a transmission belt of the harvesting part, a transmission shaft of a motor A, motor arms, the high-power motor A, a high-power motor B, a transmission shaft of the motor B, a transmission belt of the roller, and a rotating shaft of the harvesting part; and the laser sensor control assembly includes the motor base plate, upright lifting columns, a control base plate, a battery, a power distribution board, a voltage reduction module, electronic speed controllers, a main control board, a low-power motor, a laser sensor base plate, a laser sensor, tube clamps, a rotating shaft of the laser sensor, and a bearing for stabilizing the rotating shaft of the laser sensor.