Optical Harvesting Control for Root Crop Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for harvesting root crops and separating them from extraneous materials often result in damage to the root crops and inefficient separation of extraneous materials, leading to reduced yields and increased operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses an optical image-capturing unit to capture test images of the harvested material, which are then processed to generate a separating device setting signal. This signal adjusts the operating parameters of a separating device, such as conveyor belts or rollers, to optimize the separation of root crops from extraneous materials while minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the separating device operates with high force to separate extraneous materials, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the root crop is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the separating device settings adjustable and adaptive. The evaluation device continuously monitors the harvested material composition and dynamically adjusts the separating device parameters (such as roller speed, separation force, or conveyor belt movement) to optimize separation efficiency while preventing damage to root crop. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to varying harvesting conditions in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the evaluation device that processes images of the harvested material and provides information back to the control device. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust the separating device settings based on the actual composition and condition of the harvested material, ensuring efficient separation while minimizing damage to valuable root crop.
2Productivity
If the harvesting rate is increased to improve productivity, then the yield is improved, but the damage to root crop and extraneous materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation device provides continuous feedback on the condition of harvested material, allowing the control device to adjust harvesting parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain high harvesting rates while preventing excessive damage by adapting to the actual state of the root crop and extraneous materials being processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts harvesting and separating device parameters based on real-time conditions. By making the harvesting rate and separation force adaptable rather than fixed, the system can optimize productivity while minimizing damage to both root crop and extraneous materials under varying harvesting conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If the separating device settings are adjusted frequently to optimize separation, then the separation quality is improved, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated control. The evaluation device automatically analyzes the harvested material and the control device automatically adjusts the separating device settings without requiring manual intervention. This automation reduces operational complexity while maintaining high separation quality, as the system manages its own optimization based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated control systems. Instead of requiring operators to physically adjust separating device parameters, the system uses image processing and automated control algorithms to optimize separation settings, thereby improving separation quality while reducing operational complexity.
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
The method achieves continuous optimization of the separating device's operation, ensuring non-damaging handling of root crops and effective separation of extraneous materials, thereby improving yield and reducing operational issues.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical image-capturing unit (6) captures at least one test image (8) of at least one part of the harvested material
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for controlling the operation of a machine for harvesting root crop and/or for separating root crop from the rest of the harvested material comprising extraneous materials. At least one optical image-capturing unit captures at least one test image of at least one part of the harvested material which is moved along relative to a machine frame by means of at least one conveyor element. An evaluation device generates, on the basis of a test data set which is generated using the test image or formed thereby, a separating device setting signal for setting at least one operating parameter of a separating device of the machine.