Header-Mounted Transceiver Sensors for Real-Time Crop Loss Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvesting systems rely heavily on operator supervision, which is prone to fatigue and reduces the effectiveness of monitoring crop loss due to operator inattention, especially in large headers where continuous supervision is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A loss monitoring system with transceiver sensors and controllers that identify crop constituents below the header arrangement, determining a loss metric and controlling machine operations to minimize losses, including adjusting skid plates, row unit spacing, and machine speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If operator monitoring of header performance is used, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of crop loss monitoring deteriorate due to operator fatigue and inattention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator monitoring with an automated sensor-based detection system. Transceiver sensors mounted on the header arrangement automatically detect and monitor crop constituents (kernels, cobs, etc.) falling below the header, eliminating the need for continuous human observation and thereby maintaining high measurement precision without operator fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring of crop loss by the header arrangement itself through integrated transceiver sensors. The sensors continuously scan the area below the header and automatically identify falling crop constituents, allowing the system to self-assess its performance without external human intervention.
2Measurement precision
If continuous operator supervision of the full header is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the extensive time and attention required
Solution Approach 1:
The automated transceiver sensor system replaces the need for continuous operator supervision. The sensors are mounted on the header and automatically scan the area below, providing continuous monitoring of crop loss without requiring operator attention or manual inspection, thereby maintaining precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides continuous, uninterrupted monitoring of crop constituents falling below the header throughout the entire harvesting operation. Unlike periodic manual checks by an operator, the automated system maintains constant surveillance, ensuring no loss events are missed while freeing the operator for other tasks.
3Measurement precision
If manual inspection of ground area for crop constituents is performed, then measurement precision is adequate, but loss of time increases due to stopping the machine for inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver sensor system enables continuous monitoring of crop loss without interrupting the harvesting operation. Sensors mounted on the header continuously scan the area below and detect falling constituents in real-time, eliminating the need to stop the machine for ground inspections and thereby preventing any loss of harvesting time while maintaining accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects crop constituents as they fall below the header, before they reach the ground. This preliminary detection allows for immediate identification of loss events during the harvesting operation, eliminating the need for subsequent ground inspections and saving the time that would be lost stopping the machine.
4Measurement precision
If automated sensor-based monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision and productivity improve, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting crop constituents, identifying their type (kernel, cob, etc.), tracking their movement, and providing data for loss calculation. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single integrated solution, managing complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that processes sensor data and translates it into meaningful loss metrics. Rather than requiring complex direct analysis of raw sensor signals, the control system mediates between the sensors and the operator, filtering and interpreting data to provide clear, actionable information about crop loss.
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 provides accurate, real-time monitoring and control of crop loss by identifying individual constituents, reducing operator fatigue, and optimizing harvesting efficiency by adjusting machine parameters automatically or with operator input.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transceiver sensors coupleable, in use, to the header arrangement and configured, in use, for transmitting measurement signals and receiving reflections thereof from an object within a sensing region
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring crop loss associated with a header arrangement operably couplable to an agricultural harvesting machine. One or more transceiver sensors are coupleable, in use, to the header arrangement and configured, in use, for transmitting measurement signals and receiving reflections thereof from an object within a sensing region of the sensor which at least partly includes a region below the header arrangement. Sensor data therefrom is processed to identify crop constituents present within the sensing region and a loss metric for an agricultural operation performed by the header arrangement is determined in dependence thereon. Operation of operable components of or otherwise associated with the header arrangement and/or the agricultural harvesting machine can be controlled in dependence on the determined loss metric.