RFID Harvester Object Detection and Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated harvesters face challenges in detecting and adapting to rigid objects and conditions with poor metallic properties, leading to damage and inefficiencies, especially when harvesting grapes or other agricultural products, as existing detection methods may falsely identify vines or branches, and fail to differentiate between posts and other objects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an RFID system that uses tags attached to objects or conditions to detect their presence and location, allowing the harvester to adjust its operation by reducing forces exerted, such as by disengaging the drive or altering the movement of shaker members, thereby minimizing damage and optimizing harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electromagnetic detection methods are used to detect rigid objects, then detection speed is improved, but detection precision deteriorates due to false identification of vines or branches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary objects attached to rigid structures (posts, poles, pipes) to mediate the detection process. Instead of directly detecting the physical characteristics of rigid objects, the system detects the RFID tags that are specifically placed on these objects, eliminating false detection of vines or branches while maintaining fast detection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an information copy of the rigid objects by attaching RFID tags that contain identification data. The detection system reads this copied information rather than directly analyzing the physical properties of the objects, enabling precise identification without the complexity of direct electromagnetic characterization.
2Measurement precision
If detection systems are enhanced to differentiate between posts and other objects, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
RFID tags serve as simple intermediary carriers of identification information. Rather than complexizing the detection system to analyze multiple physical parameters, the patent uses these tags as straightforward mediators that provide clear binary information about the presence of rigid objects, maintaining system simplicity while achieving high differentiation precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If forces exerted by harvesting apparatus are reduced when detecting objects, then damage to objects is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of rigid objects using RFID tags before the harvesting apparatus exerts forces. This advance knowledge allows the control system to pre-adjust the harvesting apparatus parameters (reduce shaking amplitude, modify shaker member engagement) in advance, minimizing damage while maintaining normal harvesting speed and productivity during non-problem areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvesting apparatus operates in a dynamic mode where forces are continuously adjusted based on real-time RFID detection data. The system dynamically modifies shaking intensity and shaker member engagement levels according to the proximity and location of detected rigid objects, enabling high productivity in open areas and protective low-force operation near objects.
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 RFID system effectively reduces damage to both the harvester and objects by precisely detecting and responding to the presence of specific objects or conditions, ensuring efficient and safe harvesting operations by adjusting the movement of the harvester's components in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID system capable of detecting and interrogating RFID tags associated with objects or conditions along a path of the harvester
Data Source
AI summary
A harvester for agricultural products such as fruits such as grapes, berries, vegetables, and the like, and method of harvesting, using an RFID system capable of detecting and interrogating RFID tags associated with objects or conditions along a path of the harvester in a manner to determine both presence and location of the associated object or condition, to enable responsively adapting or altering the operation of harvesting apparatus in a predetermined manner, such as by reducing or interrupting forces exerted thereby when about or proximate the object or condition.