Radar Trailer Positioning for Agricultural Unload Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the position of a trailer with respect to an agricultural machine, such as combine harvesters, face challenges due to obscurants like dust and limited points for data collection, leading to operator errors and reduced efficiency in crop unloading.
Innovation Solution
A radar system with a frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar module is integrated into the agricultural machine, using transmitting and receiving antennas to determine the location of trailer points by processing signals and generating control signals for actuators to position the unload conveyance accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated optical techniques are used to detect the location of a trailer, then the operator can maintain concentration on driving, but the presence of obscurants (dust, straw) limits the feasibility and accuracy of detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection systems with a radar-based detection system. The radar system uses electromagnetic waves instead of light to detect the trailer's location, allowing penetration through obscurants like dust and straw that block optical signals. This substitution maintains operator concentration benefits while overcoming the reliability limitations imposed by field conditions.
2Reliability
If automated optical techniques are used to detect the location of a trailer, then operator error is reduced, but there are a limited number of points available for data collection, limiting accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system divides the trailer detection into multiple discrete point measurements. By detecting multiple points on the trailer's surface independently and combining this data, the system achieves comprehensive and accurate location determination. This segmentation approach overcomes the limitation of having few data collection points by systematically measuring numerous points across the trailer structure.
3Device complexity
If an operator uses mirrors or visual tools to position the unload tube, then the system is simple, but operator error results in harvested crop being lost or valuable time being squandered
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system provides continuous feedback about the trailer's location and the unload tube's position relative to it. This real-time information allows the operator to make precise adjustments to positioning, eliminating the guesswork and errors associated with simple mirror-based systems. The feedback loop ensures accurate crop transfer while maintaining operational efficiency.
4Extent of automation
If automated optical techniques are used, then the positioning process is automated, but the system cannot penetrate obscurants effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical automation with radar-based automation. The radar system's electromagnetic waves can penetrate through dust, straw, and other field obscurants that block optical signals. This maintains the automation benefit while eliminating the vulnerability to harmful environmental factors that plagues optical systems.
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 radar system effectively penetrates dust and crop debris, enabling precise positioning of the unload conveyance with respect to the trailer, improving crop yields and reducing harvest time by automating the positioning process.
Implementation Method 1
a radar system positioned in association with the second end of the unload conveyance, wherein the radar system includes at least one transmitting antenna, at least one receiving antenna, and a radar module configured to process a first signal for transmission by the at least one transmitting antenna and process second signals received by the at least one receiving antenna
Implementation Method 2
The second signals include reflections of the first signal from the one or more points of the receptacle
Implementation Method 3
A radar system with a frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar module is integrated into the agricultural machine, using transmitting and receiving antennas to determine the location of trailer points by processing signals
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural machine (100) comprises a chassis (102), an unload conveyance (104) having a first end (106) connected to the chassis (102) and a second end (108) opposite the first end (106), a cab (110) mounted to the chassis (102), and a radar system (112) positioned in association with the second end (108) of the unload conveyance (104). The radar system (112) comprises at least one transmitting antenna (134), at least one receiving antenna (136), and a radar module (120) configured to process a first signal for transmission by the at least one transmitting antenna (134) and process second signals received by the at least one receiving antenna (136) for determining location of one or more points (138) of a receptacle (114) with respect to a location of the agricultural machine (100).