Optical Conveyor Speed Control for Root Crop Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for harvesting root crops often result in significant damage to the crops and extraneous materials due to inefficient separation, leading to suboptimal handling and processing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses an optical image-capturing unit to generate a conveying speed signal independent of the speed of the harvested material, allowing for optimal capacity utilization and separation by adjusting the conveyor speed based on dynamic variables and stationary variables, thereby minimizing damage and improving the cleaning efficiency of root crops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conveying speed is increased to improve productivity, then the throughput of harvested material is improved, but the damage to root crop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying speed is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time evaluation of harvested material properties. The control unit continuously monitors test images and automatically adapts the conveying speed, allowing the system to operate at higher speeds when material is robust and reduce speed when material is vulnerable, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and damage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the conveying speed parameter based on evaluated material characteristics. By analyzing test images to determine material properties and adjusting the conveying speed accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between throughput and gentle handling, preventing damage while maintaining high productivity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the conveying speed is decreased to reduce damage to root crop, then the gentle treatment of root crop is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than operating at a constantly low speed, the system dynamically adjusts conveying speed based on real-time material evaluation. This allows the system to maintain high productivity during favorable conditions while providing gentle handling only when material properties require it, eliminating the need for consistently reduced speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own evaluation capabilities to automatically control the conveying speed without external intervention. The control unit processes test images and self-adjusts the conveying parameters, enabling the system to optimize both productivity and gentle handling autonomously based on actual material conditions
3Productivity
If the capacity utilization of the conveyor element is increased to improve productivity, then the throughput is improved, but the blockages increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback control by evaluating test images of the harvested material and using this information to adjust the conveying speed. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal capacity utilization while preventing blockages by reducing speed when material accumulation is detected, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical blockage prevention methods with an optical evaluation and electronic control system. By using image capture and automated control to manage conveying speed, the system achieves more precise and responsive control than mechanical means alone, preventing blockages while maintaining high throughput
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for controlling the operation of a machine for harvesting root crop. At least one optical image-capturing unit captures at least one test image of harvested material comprising root crop which is moved along relative to a machine frame by means of at least one conveyor element. A conveying speed of the conveyor element is set on the basis of a test data set which is generated using the test image or formed by means of the latter. An evaluation device generates, on the basis of the test data set, a conveying speed signal, independent of a speed of the harvested material, for setting the conveying speed.