Sensor Cleaning Control for Blockage-Prone Harvesting Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensing arrangements in agricultural machines, such as harvesting machines, are prone to becoming blocked by material, leading to incorrect readings and increased downtime due to the need for manual cleaning, which reduces operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control system that determines a cleaning strategy for the sensing arrangement based on operational data, including location, throughput, and sensor output, to automate the cleaning process, using airflow systems and crop processing mechanisms to clear blockages without interrupting the machine's primary operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual cleaning of the sensing region is performed, then the sensor readings become accurate, but machine downtime increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system automatically cleans the sensing region without operator intervention. The controller monitors operational data and triggers the cleaning mechanism (airflow system, brush, or water spray) to self-clean the sensor, eliminating manual cleaning requirements and maintaining both accuracy and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs cleaning actions before blockages significantly degrade sensor performance. The controller detects early signs of material accumulation through operational data and initiates preventive cleaning, maintaining measurement precision while minimizing interruption to harvesting operations
2Measurement precision
If cleaning operations are performed frequently, then sensor accuracy is maintained, but interference with harvesting operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors operational data including sensor output quality, material flow characteristics, and machine operating parameters to determine when cleaning is actually needed, performing cleaning only when necessary rather than on fixed schedules
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring of operational data with cleaning triggered only when threshold conditions are met. Rather than continuous operation, the controller periodically assesses sensor performance and material buildup conditions, initiating cleaning only when degradation exceeds acceptable levels
3Productivity
If the sensing arrangement is exposed to crop flow, then harvesting monitoring is enabled, but the sensing region becomes blocked with material
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism acts as an intermediary between the crop flow and the sensing region. Elements such as air nozzles, brushes, or water spray systems are positioned to intercept and remove material before it can block the sensor, protecting the sensing region while allowing continuous exposure to crop flow for monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts or removes blocking material from the sensing region using dedicated cleaning mechanisms. Airflow systems blow material away, brushes mechanically remove deposits, or water sprays wash away blockages, actively extracting the harmful factor rather than preventing its approach
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 reduces downtime by automating the cleaning process at optimal times, ensuring accurate sensor readings and maintaining machine efficiency by minimizing interference with harvesting operations.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more operable components may comprise an airflow system for the machine, and the cleaning strategy may comprise controlling an airflow generated by the airflow system. For example, the control system may be configured to control performance of a cleaning strategy whereby an airflow generated by the system is increased. Advantageously, an increased airflow may be used to move or dislodge material from a sensing surface or lens of the sensing arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for controlling a cleaning system for a sensing arrangement of an agricultural machine. Utilizing operational data indicative of an output from the sensing arrangement and/or an operational parameter for the agricultural machine, a cleaning strategy for the cleaning system of the sensing arrangement is determined. The invention extends to controlling one or more operable components associated with the cleaning system for controlling the cleaning system in accordance with the cleaning strategy.