Agricultural Runout Tracking Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implement air carts face inefficiencies in product distribution due to the lack of real-time monitoring of storage tank emptying, leading to unplanned refills and interruptions in field operations.
Innovation Solution
A product runout tracking system that uses sensors to measure product amount, flow rate, and ground speed, combined with GPS for location tracking, to determine the exact location within a field where the storage tank will be empty, allowing for timely refills and optimized distribution routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time monitoring of storage tank emptying is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into separate sensor components (product sensor, flow sensor, ground speed sensor, positioning system) that independently measure specific parameters and feed data to the controller, which then calculates the runout location. This segmentation allows complex monitoring to be achieved through simpler, specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically calculates and displays the product runout location without requiring manual intervention or real-time operator judgment. The controller continuously processes sensor data to determine when the storage tank will be empty and presents this information to the operator, enabling the system to serve itself in the monitoring and alerting function.
2Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring and location tracking are implemented, then refill planning precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously calculates and updates the product runout location in advance based on current product level, flow rate, and ground speed data. This preliminary calculation allows the operator to plan refills before the tank actually runs out, eliminating last-minute rushes and optimizing the timing of refill operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the operator about the current product level, flow rate, ground speed, and calculated runout location. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of operation parameters and refill timing, ensuring precise planning while minimizing time loss through automated information provision.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of product distribution is implemented, then distribution continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple monitoring functions (product level sensing, flow rate measurement, ground speed detection, and positioning) into a single integrated control system that processes all inputs and outputs the runout location. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously processes sensor data and updates the runout location calculation in real-time as the air cart moves through the field. This continuous monitoring and calculation ensures that the system always provides current, accurate information about product depletion, maintaining distribution continuity without requiring complex intermittent checks.
Data Source
AI summary
A product runout tracking system for an agricultural implement includes a controller having a memory and a processor, wherein the controller is configured to determine a distance remaining until a storage tank is empty of a product based at least in part on an amount of the product within the storage tank of the agricultural implement, a flow rate of the product from the agricultural implement, a ground speed of the agricultural implement, or any combination thereof. The controller is further configured to determine a product runout location of the product within the storage tank based at least in part on the determined distance remaining and a planned route of the agricultural implement, wherein the product runout location includes a location within the field in which the storage tank is estimated to be empty of the product, and output the product runout location to a user interface for display to an operator of the agricultural implement.