NIR Sensor for Grain Cracking Detection in Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesting machines face challenges in efficiently determining the degree of cracking of grain components, which affects their digestibility and processing, as existing methods require significant effort and resources, and are not adaptable to changing harvesting conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of a near-infrared (NIR) sensor positioned along the crop stream to detect the degree of cracking of grain components, allowing for real-time analysis and adjustment of operating parameters of the secondary crushing device, such as roller spacing and rotational speed, to achieve optimal cracking and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to determine the degree of cracking of grain components, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the effort and resources required are significant and the process is not adaptable to changing harvesting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical analysis methods with near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to determine the degree of cracking of grain components. The NIR sensor optically detects cracking degree by analyzing light absorption characteristics, eliminating the need for manual sorting, visual inspection, or complex mechanical testing systems. This substitution maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing processing effort and resource requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an NIR sensor as an intermediary device that indirectly measures the degree of cracking through optical properties rather than directly analyzing physical structure. The sensor detects changes in light absorption caused by cracking, providing accurate measurements without requiring direct contact or complex mechanical intervention with the grain components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed operating parameters are used for the secondary crushing device, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing harvesting conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the NIR sensor continuously monitors the degree of cracking of grain components, and the control unit automatically adjusts operating parameters of the secondary crushing device based on this real-time data. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing harvesting conditions such as variations in crop type, moisture content, and desired cracking degree, while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the secondary crushing device from a static system with fixed parameters to a dynamic system that automatically adjusts its operating characteristics. The control unit modifies parameters such as roller speed, roller spacing, or crusher engagement based on real-time NIR measurements, allowing the device to optimize its performance continuously according to actual harvesting conditions without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If higher cracking degree is achieved, then digestibility of grain components is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system uses real-time NIR measurements of cracking degree to optimize energy consumption. When the desired digestibility level is achieved, the system automatically reduces crushing intensity or shuts down the secondary crushing device, preventing unnecessary energy expenditure. This ensures that grain components reach the optimal cracking degree for digestibility without excessive energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes operating parameters of the secondary crushing device based on real-time feedback. By adjusting parameters such as roller speed, applied force, or processing duration according to actual grain characteristics and desired outcomes, the system achieves the necessary cracking degree for improved digestibility while minimizing energy consumption through precise parameter control rather than continuous high-intensity operation.
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
Enables efficient and consistent processing of grain components, improving digestibility and reducing energy consumption by dynamically adapting to changing harvesting conditions, ensuring a uniform work result and extending the lifespan of the secondary crushing device.
Implementation Method 1
a near-infrared (NIR) sensor... to detect the degree of cracking of grain components
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural harvesting machine and a method for operating an agricultural harvesting machine. The agricultural harvesting machine includes an attachment configured to receive a crop containing grain components, at least one work assembly for processing the received crop, a transfer device, a near-infrared (NIR), and an evaluation device. The crop is received by the attachment and traverses the harvesting machine, thereby defining a crop stream. The NIR sensor is positioned along the crop stream downstream from the at least one work assembly and generates one or more signals indicative of at least one aspect of the grain components in the crop stream. Further, the evaluation device receives and analyzes the signals from the NIR sensor in order to determine a degree to which the grain components contained in the crop stream are cracked.