Residue Collector Separation for Rapid Crop Quality Evaluation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating the quality of crop residue left in the field by a combine harvester are time-consuming and unreliable, relying heavily on operator experience and lacking direct correlation with residue treatment system settings.
Innovation Solution
A residue collector that separates processed residue into portions based on properties like size and weight, using sensors to determine quality factors, and trains a machine learning algorithm to improve residue treatment efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If residue quality evaluation is performed using existing methods, then operator experience is relied upon, but the evaluation becomes time-consuming and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator assessment with automated sensor-based measurement systems. Weight sensors directly measure residue mass, and optical sensors analyze residue properties, substituting human experience with objective mechanical and optical detection methods to achieve reliable, rapid evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The residue collector system performs self-evaluation by automatically collecting residue, measuring its properties through integrated sensors, and computing quality factors without requiring external operator intervention. The system serves itself by incorporating all evaluation functions within the collector unit.
2Loss of information
If residue quality evaluation is performed manually, then no additional equipment is needed, but the evaluation lacks direct correlation with residue treatment system settings
Solution Approach 1:
The residue collector is designed as a multi-functional system that simultaneously collects residue samples, measures multiple physical properties (weight, moisture, size), and correlates data with combine harvester treatment settings. This universal device replaces multiple separate functions with a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives data from both the residue sensors and the combine harvester's treatment system sensors, processes this information, and generates correlated quality factors. This intermediary component links the physical residue measurements with the operational parameters.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive residue analysis is performed, then accurate quality factors are obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The residue analysis is segmented into distinct measurement components: weight sensors for mass measurement, optical sensors for physical property analysis, and moisture sensors for hydration level. Each sensor type focuses on a specific property, allowing comprehensive analysis through modular, specialized measurement elements.
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 rapid and accurate quantification of residue quality, allowing for real-time adjustments and optimized residue treatment settings, reducing time and cost while improving subsequent harvesting operations.
Implementation Method 1
one or more weight sensors for directly or indirectly determining the weight of the first portion and the second portion
Data Source
AI summary
A residue collector is operable to receive residue from a combine harvester during a training harvesting operation. The residue collector includes a residue separator for separating the processed residue into a first portion and a second portion based on a property of the processed residue; one or more weight sensors for directly or indirectly determining the weight of the first portion and the second portion; and a controller configured to determine a quality factor for the processed residue based on the determined weight of the first portion in relation to the weight of the second portion.