Residue Spreader Feedback Control for Uniform Field Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural residue spreading technologies struggle with uneven distribution due to unpredictable ballistic properties, wind interference, and operator visibility limitations, leading to sub-optimal residue deposition on fields.

Innovation Solution

Agricultural residue depositing apparatus with sensors and an interface device that provides real-time visual or haptic feedback to operators, allowing manual or automated adjustments for optimal residue spreading, including augmented displays and simulations to guide residue deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If residue is spread using conventional methods without real-time monitoring, then the spreading operation is simple and quick, but the distribution uniformity and accuracy are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidue distribution uniformityVSAvoidspreading system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where sensors detect residue distribution in real-time and provide signals to a controller that adjusts spreading parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables dynamic optimization of residue distribution uniformity while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment methods with automated electronic control systems. Sensors, processors, and actuators substitute for manual observation and mechanical tweaking, significantly improving measurement precision and control accuracy while the automation manages the complexity burden.

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

2Measurement precision

If real-time sensor monitoring and automated control systems are added to improve residue spreading precision, then distribution accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidue deposition measurement accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback principle is implemented through sensors that continuously monitor residue deposition and send real-time data to a controller. This enables precise measurement and automated adjustment of spreading parameters, improving measurement precision while the systematic feedback loop manages control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through integrated sensors and automated controllers. The spreading system monitors its own performance and makes corrections without external intervention, improving measurement accuracy while the self-service nature reduces operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If operators manually adjust spreading parameters based on visual inspection, then the system remains simple to operate, but visibility limitations and subjective judgment reduce spreading accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidue spreading accuracyVSAvoidoperator workload and skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes manual visual inspection with electronic sensor systems that objectively measure residue distribution. This replacement eliminates the limitations of human vision and subjective judgment, improving spreading accuracy while the automated system handles the complexity of precise control.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback system provides objective, real-time data to operators or automated controllers, replacing subjective visual assessment. This enables precise measurement and control of residue spreading accuracy while reducing the skill and attention requirements for operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Manufacturing precision

If wind effects are not compensated for, then the spreading system remains simple, but wind causes uneven residue distribution and contamination of unharvested crop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidue distribution controlVSAvoidwind impact on residue trajectory
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements preliminary anti-action by detecting wind conditions and pre-adjusting spreading parameters before wind causes harmful effects. The sensor system monitors environmental conditions and the controller proactively compensates for wind impacts, preventing uneven distribution and crop contamination while managing complexity through predictive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism continuously monitors residue distribution patterns and environmental conditions, enabling the controller to compensate for wind effects in real-time. This improves distribution control accuracy while the systematic feedback loop manages the complexity of environmental compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4212003B1Agricultural residue depositing apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 CNH IND BELGIUM NV
  • EP4212003B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4212003B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4212003B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Agricultural residue depositing apparatus comprises a human-controllable mobile vehicle (10) that is capable of generating agricultural residue (R) and depositing it on a ground surface (G) over which the mobile vehicle (10) is moveable, the mobile vehicle (10) including an interface device (12) that is capable of generating one or more output that is interpretable by a human operator; the apparatus including one or more sensors (18) of agricultural residue deposited by the mobile vehicle and one or more processors (22) to which the one or more sensors (18) are operatively connected, the one or more processors (22) additionally being operatively connected to the interface device (12) such that the interface device (12) generates one or more outputs, based on one or more signals generated by the one or more sensors (18), of or relating to agricultural residue (R) deposited by the mobile vehicle (10); and the one or more processors (22) being capable of adding human-interpretable augmentation to one or more said outputs indicating one or more parameters of or relating to the deposition of residue (R).