Harvester Spout Position Sensing for Transport Vehicle Pacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coordination of movement between a crop harvesting apparatus and the crop materials transporting vehicle is complicated by the difficulty in accurately positioning the transport vehicle with respect to the harvesting apparatus, particularly due to limited visibility and the need for frequent communication between operators, which can be distracting and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system that provides automatic and visual pacing information to the transport vehicle driver using a position sensing assembly to detect the transfer spout's orientation relative to the harvester, with a pacing indication display to guide speed adjustments without requiring constant visual or verbal communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual communication methods are used for coordination between harvester and transport vehicle operators, then ease of operation is improved, but information transmission accuracy deteriorates due to limited visibility and operator distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of sensors on the harvester, wireless communication modules, and display devices in the transport vehicle cabin. This intermediary automatically transmits pacing information (distance, speed, positioning) from the harvester to the transport vehicle driver, eliminating the need for direct visual communication between operators and ensuring accurate information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual communication method (operators visually signaling each other) with an electronic information system. Sensors detect harvester position and motion, wireless modules transmit data, and display devices present pacing information to the driver, substituting human visual coordination with an automated electronic information transmission system.
2Measurement precision
If constant visual communication is used for pacing coordination, then positioning accuracy is improved, but operator distraction increases and safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the transport vehicle to self-regulate its pacing by automatically receiving and displaying pacing information from the harvester. The driver can maintain accurate positioning by referencing the displayed information without needing to constantly communicate with the harvester operator, reducing distraction and improving safety while preserving positioning accuracy.
3Device complexity
If manual coordination methods are used between operators, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to frequent communication and positioning adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor the harvester's position, speed, and motion, automatically transmit this data to the transport vehicle, and update the display in real-time. This automated feedback system eliminates the need for manual coordination adjustments, allowing the system to self-correct positioning and pacing, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver pacing information apparatus for providing a driver of transport vehicle with pacing information for operating the transport vehicle alongside a harvester may include a position sensing assembly configured to sense a position of a transfer spout of the harvester with respect to a frame of the harvester, a pacing indication display configured to provide pacing information to the driver of the transport vehicle, and a controller assembly configured to control the pacing indication display based upon position sensing of the position sensing assembly. The pacing indication display may be configured to visually provide pacing information to the driver of the transport vehicle.