High-Frequency Sensor for Foreign Object Detection in Agricultural Conveyors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements fail to effectively detect and prevent metallic foreign bodies from reaching processing units, as current detection methods are often insensitive to non-ferromagnetic materials like stainless steel, leading to false alarms and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A high-frequency sensor system is integrated into the conveyor channel of the agricultural implement to emit and detect electromagnetic waves, allowing for the precise localization and identification of metallic foreign bodies using phase-controlled transmitters and receivers, minimizing false alarms and ensuring effective protection of the processing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic probe is used to detect foreign objects, then ferromagnetic objects can be detected, but non-ferromagnetic metallic objects like stainless steel cannot be detected reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic field-based detection with electromagnetic wave-based detection using radar sensors. The radar sensor emits electromagnetic waves that can detect any metallic object regardless of its magnetic properties, thereby solving the limitation of magnetic probes that cannot detect non-ferromagnetic metals like stainless steel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from magnetic field strength to electromagnetic wave reflection properties. By using radar sensors that detect based on electromagnetic wave reflection rather than magnetic field influence, the system can reliably detect all metallic objects irrespective of their magnetic characteristics.
2Reliability
If a radar sensor mounted on the operator's cab is used to detect foreign objects, then metallic objects can be detected, but false alarms occur and work is significantly delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent installs the radar sensor directly in the conveying channel before the crop enters the processing unit, enabling early detection of foreign objects at the point of entry. This preliminary detection location allows for immediate intervention before the object can cause damage downstream, reducing work delay compared to later detection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the conveying channel itself as an intermediary structure that guides electromagnetic waves from the radar sensor to the foreign objects. The sensor is positioned to emit waves through the conveying channel walls, using the channel structure to facilitate wave propagation and improve detection accuracy while reducing false alarms.
3Measurement precision
If the conveying channel walls are made reflective to detect foreign objects, then detection capability is improved, but background noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface properties to different parts of the conveying channel. The walls are designed with specific electromagnetic wave reflection characteristics that enhance foreign object detection while minimizing background noise from the crop material. The sensor positioning and wave emission angles are optimized to create local detection zones with high precision.
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 reliable detection and prevention of metallic foreign bodies, reducing the likelihood of false alarms and ensuring the processing unit's safety by accurately identifying and locating metal objects within the conveyor channel.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor emits electromagnetic high-frequency waves into the conveying channel and detects an echo reflected by a foreign object in the conveying channel
Implementation Method 2
a foam containing graphite is a suitable absorbing material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An agricultural implement has a crop pickup for collecting crops (5) from a field, a processing unit for processing the crops (5), and a conveying channel (11) connecting the crop pickup to the processing unit. A high-frequency sensor (18) is arranged to emit electromagnetic high-frequency waves into the conveying channel (11) and to detect an echo reflected by a foreign object in the conveying channel (11).