Residue Spread Monitoring With LIDAR Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for monitoring and controlling the distribution of residue material from agricultural harvesting machines are complex and inefficient, requiring manual adjustments by operators and lacking a comprehensive solution for ensuring even distribution and avoiding residue spread into standing crops.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing two-dimensional sensors, such as LIDAR, to monitor residue distribution in multiple directions and control the spreader tool's operation, including steering mechanisms, to maintain uniform residue distribution within the machine's width and avoid spreading into adjacent crops.

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 controlling residue distributionVSAvoidtime for observing and adjusting spreader tool
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation by automatically monitoring residue distribution through sensors and adjusting spreader tool parameters without requiring continuous manual observation and adjustment by the operator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by using sensors to monitor residue distribution in real-time and automatically adjusting spreader tool parameters based on the monitored data, creating a closed-loop control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If sensors are used to monitor residue distribution in real-time, then distribution can be controlled more effectively, but the system becomes relatively complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of residue distributionVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with electronic sensors and automated control algorithms to achieve precise residue distribution monitoring and control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses multi-functional sensors that can detect multiple parameters (residue distribution, wind conditions, etc.) simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively monitors and controls residue distribution, ensuring even spreading, reducing erosion risks, and preventing unwanted residue buildup by automatically adjusting the spreader tool's operation based on real-time data, enhancing operational efficiency and yield consistency.

Implementation Method 1

A further embodiment provides a system for monitoring the distribution of residue material from a spreader tool of an agricultural machine, comprising: a first LIDAR unit having a sensing region defining a first sensing plane; a second LIDAR unit having a sensing region defining a second sensing plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentEP4091422A1Residue spread monitoring
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 AGCO INT GMBH
  • EP4091422A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4091422A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4091422A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for monitoring the distribution of residue material (24) from a spreader tool (22) of an agricultural machine (10). A first sensor (30a) has a sensing region (35a) defining a first sensing boundary (31a) corresponding to a first direction with respect to the agricultural machine (10). A second sensor (30b) has a sensing region (35b) defining a second sensing boundary (31b) corresponding to a second direction with respect to the agricultural machine (10). The sensing data from the first and second sensors (30a, 30b) are used to determine a distribution of residue material (24) associated with the spreader tool (22). One or more systems of the agricultural machine (10) are then controlled in dependence on the determined distribution.