Automated Spout Control for Agricultural Void Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in agricultural material transfer is maintaining efficient and even distribution during on-the-go unloading, as operators face difficulties in monitoring and controlling the spout position while harvesting, leading to potential spillage and uneven loading, which affects operational efficiency and equipment stress.
Innovation Solution
A system equipped with a transferring vehicle and imaging devices that collect data to estimate fill levels and identify voids in the storage portion, using a controller to adjust the spout position for optimal material distribution, ensuring efficient transfer and preventing spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an operator manually monitors and controls the spout position during on-the-go harvesting, then the material transfer process can be adjusted in real-time, but the operator cannot simultaneously monitor harvesting controls and spout position, leading to spillage and uneven loading
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated monitoring and control of spout position through imaging devices and processing modules that independently track material distribution and adjust spout positioning without requiring continuous operator intervention, allowing the system to serve itself
Solution Approach 2:
Manual operator control is replaced with an automated vision-based system using imaging devices, image processing modules, and automated control algorithms that detect material distribution patterns and adjust spout position automatically, substituting mechanical/manual operations with automated electronic control
2Ease of operation
If the spout position is not precisely controlled, then the operator can focus on harvesting controls, but material spillage occurs and distribution within the storage portion becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously capturing images of the storage portion, analyzing material distribution patterns, detecting void areas, and automatically adjusting spout position based on real-time feedback about material distribution status, ensuring precise control while preventing spillage
Solution Approach 2:
An image processing module acts as an intermediary between the spout positioning system and the harvesting controls, translating visual information about material distribution into automated spout adjustment commands, mediating the control process to prevent harmful effects
3Loss of information
If the operator has a clear line of sight into the storage portion, then manual monitoring of material distribution is possible, but the operator still cannot simultaneously manage harvesting controls and spout position
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy of the storage portion interior using imaging devices that capture images of material distribution, allowing the system to analyze and respond to material patterns without requiring the operator to directly observe the storage portion, eliminating the need for operator attention while maintaining full situational awareness
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for transferring agricultural material from a transferring vehicle to a storage portion of a receiving vehicle, and detecting and filling void areas of the agricultural material is disclosed. A transferring vehicle having a spout transfers agricultural material to a storage portion of a receiving vehicle. An imaging device associated with the transferring vehicle and facing towards the storage portion of the receiving vehicle collects imaging data. An image processing module is operable to, based on the imaging data, estimate fill levels of agricultural material within the storage portion; identify an area of the storage portion as targeted to fill; and identify a first void within the targeted area. A controller in communication with the image processing module is configured to command the spout to a position to direct agricultural material to the first void.