Agricultural Header Sensor System for MOG Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Harvesters face inefficiencies and increased resource consumption due to the incomplete separation of materials other than grain (MOG) during corn harvesting, leading to their entry into the processing system, which affects operation and resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising an emitter and receiver pair is integrated into the agricultural system to detect the presence of MOG near conveyors, triggering control signals to adjust the harvester's operation, such as increasing feed roller speed or decreasing travel speed, to prevent MOG from entering the processing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the harvester operates without MOG detection, then the harvesting process is simple and fast, but MOG enters the processing system causing inefficiency and increased resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs preliminary detection of MOG presence before the material enters the processing system. By detecting MOG proximate to or at the conveyor early in the process, the system can trigger control signals to adjust feed roller speed or travel speed in advance, preventing MOG from entering the processing system and avoiding subsequent energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor for MOG presence and provide real-time information to the control system. When MOG is detected, the control system automatically adjusts operating parameters (feed roller speed, travel speed) to prevent MOG entry, creating a closed-loop control that optimizes resource consumption based on actual conditions.
2Reliability
If the harvester increases feed roller speed to prevent MOG entry, then MOG separation improves, but mechanical stress and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the feed roller speed based on real-time MOG detection rather than maintaining a constant high speed. When MOG is detected proximate to the conveyor, the control system increases feed roller speed to enhance separation. When no MOG is present, the system returns to normal operating speed, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining reliable MOG separation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the operational parameters (feed roller speed, travel speed) in response to sensor feedback. By adjusting these parameters dynamically based on MOG presence, the system achieves effective MOG separation only when necessary, optimizing the balance between separation reliability and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If the harvester decreases travel speed to improve MOG discharge, then MOG separation improves, but harvesting productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts travel speed based on real-time MOG detection. When sensors detect MOG proximate to or at the conveyor, the control system decreases travel speed to allow proper MOG discharge. When no MOG is detected, the system maintains normal travel speed to preserve harvesting productivity. This dynamic adjustment ensures MOG discharge effectiveness only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system periodically monitors MOG presence through the sensor system and adjusts travel speed in response to detected conditions. This periodic detection and conditional speed adjustment ensures that productivity is maintained at normal levels during most operation, with temporary speed reductions only when MOG discharge issues are detected, optimizing the balance between reliability and productivity.
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 system effectively reduces the entry of MOG into the harvester, improving operational efficiency and resource management by enabling timely adjustments and notifications for operators to manage MOG discharge.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor system comprising an emitter and receiver pair is integrated into the agricultural system to detect the presence of MOG near conveyors
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural system (100) includes a header (200) having a row unit (204) with a feed roller (260) configured to engage a crop and to pull a stalk of the crop toward the field. The header (200) also includes a conveyor (206) configured to receive a desirable crop material of the crop from the row unit (204) and to direct the desirable crop material of the crop toward an inlet (106) of the agricultural system (100). The header (200) further includes a sensor system (212) configured to detect presence of material other than grain (MOG) proximate to or at the conveyor (206).