Moving Sensor for Combine Harvester Grain Mixture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of automatically regulating working parameters in a combine harvester's cleaning system is limited by the number of sensors detecting grain and contaminants, which increases costs and error probability.
Innovation Solution
A single sensor element is continuously moved to different positions within the cleaning device using driven devices or the oscillating movement of the cleaning device's elements, allowing it to investigate multiple points of the mixture without the need for multiple sensors, and its position is detected using a position sensor to adjust operating parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect the mixture distribution on the screen, then the accuracy of automatic regulation of working parameters is improved, but the costs and probability of errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single sensor element that moves to different positions. Instead of having multiple stationary sensors simultaneously measuring different points, one sensor element sequentially visits multiple positions to collect data from the entire mixture distribution, merging the functionality of multiple sensors into one
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is made dynamic by moving it to different positions during operation. The sensor is coupled to a screen or conveying element that oscillates or vibrates, causing the sensor to continuously change its position relative to the mixture on the screen, enabling it to detect properties at multiple locations sequentially
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors are distributed over the screen to detect mixture distribution, then the data basis for automated regulation is improved, but the number of sensors and associated costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor functions are merged into a single sensor element that sequentially measures different positions. The sensor element is attached to a moving component (screen or conveying element) that carries it across the measurement area, allowing one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple stationary sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element performs periodic measurements at different positions as it moves with the oscillating screen or conveying element. The sensor repeatedly visits different locations in a periodic manner, collecting comprehensive data about the mixture distribution over time without requiring multiple simultaneous sensors
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
This approach provides a robust data basis for automated adjustments, reducing the number of sensors required and enhancing the accuracy of grain and contaminant separation while minimizing costs and errors.
Implementation Method 1
detect physical parameters, such as temperatures (which depend on the respective air flow which, in turn, is a measure of the amount of the mixture), optical properties (light barriers) or electrical properties (capacity and the like)
Implementation Method 2
the sensor element is coupled in a freely movable manner to the element and, by means of the oscillating movement of the element, is set into movement in relation to the element, and therefore in relation to the mixture, owing to inertia
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor arrangement for detecting properties of a mixture including grain and contaminants in a cleaning device of a combine harvester. The sensor arrangement is equipped with a sensor element for providing an output signal in respect of a property, detected by the sensor element, of the mixture adjacent to the sensor element. The sensor element is configured to be brought operationally continuously in succession into different positions in relation to the mixture in order to sense different points of the mixture in the different positions of the sensor element.