Residue Spread Monitoring With Sensor Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural combines struggle to distribute residue material evenly and efficiently, leading to uneven soil erosion, temperature inconsistencies, and uneven plant emergence due to manual adjustment challenges and the complexity of existing sensor-based systems.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a sensor with a data buffer to monitor residue distribution over a predetermined time period, controlling operating parameters of the spreader tool based on the collected data to ensure even distribution, including steering mechanisms and rotor speed adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual observation and adjustment of the spreader tool is used, then the operator can control residue distribution, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming especially when operating conditions vary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of residue distribution controlVSAvoidtime for observation and adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service control by automatically adjusting spreader tool parameters based on sensor data about residue distribution patterns, eliminating the need for continuous manual observation and adjustment by the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring residue distribution with sensors and using this information to automatically adjust spreader tool operation, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual distribution patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If sensor-based monitoring systems are implemented to track residue distribution, then real-time control is achieved, but the system complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of residue distribution monitoringVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor-based control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the essential control functions from complex sensor-based systems, focusing on monitoring residue distribution patterns and adjusting spreader parameters rather than implementing comprehensive sensor networks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters of the spreader tool based on monitored residue distribution patterns, using parameter adjustment as a simpler alternative to complex system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12501857B2Residue spread monitoring

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 AGCO INT GMBH

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for monitoring and controlling the distribution of residue material from a spreader tool of an agricultural machine. A sensor is mounted to the machine and has a sensing region rearwards of the agricultural machine. Using data from the sensor a distribution of residue material associated with the spreader tool is determined. Based on this distribution, one or more operational parameters of the agricultural machine or one or more components thereof are controlled to achieve a desired or improved residue spread from the spreader tool.