Residue Collector With Weight-Based Quality Factor for Combine Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for quantifying 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 a quality factor, and employs a controller to calculate and display this factor in real-time, enabling training of a machine learning algorithm for improved harvesting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If residue quality assessment is performed manually based on operator experience, then the assessment can be conducted without additional equipment, but the accuracy and reliability of the quality quantification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment with automated sensor-based measurement systems. Weight sensors, optical sensors, and other detection devices objectively measure residue properties such as weight, moisture content, and composition, eliminating subjective operator experience-based assessment and significantly improving measurement precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing components including controllers that receive sensor data, apply machine learning algorithms, and generate quality assessments. These intermediary systems process raw sensor measurements and transform them into meaningful quality metrics, bridging the gap between simple sensing and accurate quality evaluation.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive residue analysis is performed on all residue material, then the most accurate quality factor can be determined, but the time and resources required for testing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial analysis by selecting representative samples from different portions of the residue stream rather than analyzing all residue material. The system strategically samples portions that provide sufficient information for quality assessment while minimizing the volume processed, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the residue stream into multiple portions and analyzes selected segments rather than the entire stream. By segmenting the residue and selectively analyzing representative portions, the system achieves accurate quality factor determination without the time and resource costs of comprehensive analysis of all material.
3Measurement precision
If residue is separated into multiple portions for detailed analysis, then the quality assessment becomes more accurate, but the device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs residue separators that divide the residue stream into distinct portions based on physical properties such as weight, size, or composition. This segmentation enables targeted analysis of specific residue types using appropriate sensors, improving measurement accuracy while keeping the separation mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different measurement approaches to different residue portions based on their specific characteristics. Rather than using a single complex system for all residue types, the system tailors the measurement approach to each portion's properties, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for each segment.
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
Facilitates efficient and accurate quantification of residue quality, reducing time and cost for testing, and allows for data-driven adjustments to harvesting operations, enhancing the precision and efficiency of residue treatment.
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
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AI summary
A residue collector (200) that is operable to receive residue from a combine harvester (210) during a training harvesting operation, wherein the residue collector (200) comprises: a residue separator (205) 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 (204, 207, 208) 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.