Material Density Index for Harvested Crop Trash Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines face inaccuracies in estimating material density due to the inclusion of extraneous material (trash) with low mass but large volume, affecting the performance of extractor systems and leading to overestimation of desired crop volume.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of two throughput signals, one sensitive to material density changes, to determine a material density index by comparing these signals, allowing for accurate estimation of the desired crop's density by accounting for the impact of trash volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fan speed is increased to remove more trash, then trash removal effectiveness is improved, but cane stalk pieces are also extracted reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fan speed based on real-time material density measurements. When density indicates high trash content, fan speed increases to remove trash; when density indicates pure cane, fan speed decreases to preserve productivity. This continuous parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between trash removal accuracy and cane stalk collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The material density sensor provides continuous feedback about the composition of material on the conveyor. This feedback loop allows the control system to automatically adjust fan speed in response to changing conditions, maintaining optimal trash removal while minimizing cane stalk loss without requiring manual intervention.
2Productivity
If fan speed is decreased to preserve cane stalk pieces, then productivity is improved, but trash accumulates causing measurement overestimation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses material density measurements to dynamically adjust fan speed. When density measurements indicate the presence of trash (lower density readings), the system increases fan speed to remove the trash, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while minimizing impact on productivity through targeted rather than continuous high-speed operation.
3Measurement precision
If manual inspection and adjustment is used to maintain trash target, then measurement precision is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of fan speed based on automatic material density measurements. The control system continuously monitors density and autonomously adjusts fan speed to maintain optimal trash removal, eliminating the need for manual inspection and adjustment while maintaining precise trash level control.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic feedback system uses material density sensors to continuously monitor trash levels and adjust fan speed accordingly. This replaces manual inspection with automated sensing and control, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically simplifying operation and reducing the skill level required to operate the harvester effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for determining a material density of a harvested crop. The method includes receiving a measurement of a first throughput signal; receiving a measurement of a second throughput signal, wherein the second throughput signal is more sensitive to changes in material density than the first throughput signal; comparing the first throughput signal to the second throughput signal; and determining a material density index value based on the comparison of the first throughput signal to the second throughput signal.