Scalable Grain Tank Fill Level Display for Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grain tank level indication systems in agricultural harvesters do not allow operators to easily adjust the display to show arbitrary fill levels, limiting flexibility in unloading operations and potentially leading to inefficiencies and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a display and calculating means that allows operators to select a mode to generate a scaled fill level based on a reference level chosen by the operator, enabling the display to indicate the grain tank as 'full' at a level different from its absolute capacity, using sensors to monitor grain flow and level, and an input device to set this reference level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the display shows the actual grain tank fill level, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because the operator cannot adjust the display to show arbitrary fill levels
Solution Approach 1:
The display system transitions from a static representation of actual fill level to a dynamic system where the operator can select different scaling modes. The calculating means adapts the display values in real-time based on operator input, allowing the same physical system to serve multiple operational needs without physical modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the display parameter from showing absolute fill level to showing a scaled fill level based on operator-defined reference points. By allowing the operator to input custom reference fill levels, the system transforms the display output parameter while maintaining accurate measurement of the actual physical state.
2Ease of operation
If the operator must stop harvesting to check grain tank level, then ease of operation deteriorates, but productivity is reduced due to lost harvesting time
Solution Approach 1:
The manual visual inspection method is replaced with an automated electronic display system. Sensors and calculating means automatically monitor and compute grain tank fill level, presenting the information electronically in the operator cabin without requiring the operator to physically check the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by automatically monitoring grain tank level and displaying real-time information to the operator. This closed-loop feedback eliminates the need for periodic manual checks and enables the operator to make informed decisions about unloading timing without interrupting harvesting operations.
3Device complexity
If the display provides only a few fixed levels, then device complexity is reduced, but information completeness deteriorates as the operator cannot see intermediate fill levels
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous fill level measurement is segmented into discrete display increments that can be dynamically adjusted. Rather than showing a continuous analog scale, the system divides the fill level range into manageable segments that are recalculated based on operator-defined reference points, providing detailed information in a structured format.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3F
AI summary
An apparatus for indicating a grain tank fill level for a grain tank (20) of an agricultural harvester (10) comprises a display (48), a calculating means (46) and an operator input device (70) for selecting between first and second modes of operation. The calculating means (46) is configured to repetitively and automatically calculate the fill level of the grain tank (20) in a first mode of operation and to repetitively and automatically indicate a scaled fill level that is scaled to a reference fill level different from the actual fill level in a second mode of operation. The operator input device (70) is configured to indicate to the calculating means (46) the reference fill level when the operator input device (70) is selected by the operator.