Optical Sensor-Based Crop Separation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing root crop conveying machines struggle to optimize the separation of harvested material from admixtures with minimal design effort, leading to suboptimal quality and purity of the harvested material.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using sensor data from optical sensors to calculate mass and yield data, which are then used by an evaluation device to generate an adjustment signal for adjusting the separating elements of the conveying machine, thereby optimizing the separation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the separating device is designed with fixed separation characteristics, then the device complexity is reduced, but the quality and purity of harvested material cannot be optimized for varying crop conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of separating device to harvested material characteristicsVSAvoidcomplexity of separating device with adjustment mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separating device incorporates adjustable separating elements that can dynamically change their separation characteristics based on real-time sensor data about the harvested material. The adjustment mechanism allows the separating elements to adapt their position or configuration to optimize separation performance for different crop types and conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses optical sensors to continuously monitor the harvested material characteristics and feeds this information back to the adjustment mechanism. This feedback loop enables the separating device to automatically adapt its separation characteristics based on actual crop conditions, achieving high adaptability without requiring complex manual intervention while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the separating device is adjusted manually based on operator experience, then the device complexity is minimized, but the measurement precision and separation quality are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of harvested material characterizationVSAvoidcomplexity of automated adjustment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual operator judgment and experience-based adjustments with an automated evaluation device that uses optical sensors to precisely characterize the harvested material. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated sensing and control systems achieves high measurement precision while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through the use of standard sensor and actuator components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the separating elements are fixed in position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity and quality of harvested material are reduced due to inability to optimize separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproductivity of harvesting operationVSAvoidease of operation of separating device

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The separating device incorporates an automated adjustment mechanism that self-regulates based on sensor input about the harvested material characteristics. The system automatically optimizes the separation characteristics without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining high productivity while preserving ease of operation. The adjustment mechanism serves itself by using the sensor data to automatically configure the optimal separation settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for real-time adaptation of the separating device to the characteristics of the harvested material, resulting in improved quality and purity of the harvested material with minimal design modifications.

Implementation Method 1

sensor data are recorded by means of at least one optical sensor. The optical sensor is directed to a measurement region of a flow of harvested material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12317772B2Method for operating a root crop conveying machine

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 GRIMME LANDMASCHINENFABRIK SE & CO KG

AI summary

A method for operating a root crop conveying machine is provided, as well as a root crop conveying machine. Sensor data are recorded by at least one optical sensor. The optical sensor is directed to a measurement region of a flow of harvested material conveyed by at least one conveying element in a conveying direction. On the basis of the sensor data, mass data characterizing at least a mass of at least a part of the harvested material are calculated by an evaluation device. Yield data are calculated and provided by the evaluation device at least on the basis of the mass data. The yield data reflect at least the mass and/or a value calculated on the basis of the mass.