Spreader Outlet Impact Sensing for Accurate Grain Loss Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grain loss monitoring systems in agricultural machines, such as combine harvesters, are inaccurate due to grain being deflected or obscured by other materials, leading to incomplete measurement of grain loss during harvesting processes.
Innovation Solution
A spreader tool with a sensing unit positioned downstream of the outlet, measuring the impact parameters of material deposited from the machine, and a control system to adjust operational parameters based on these measurements to reduce grain loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic sensors are positioned to measure grain loss at the rear of sieve or straw walker, then grain loss can be monitored, but grain may be deflected or obscured by other material leading to inaccurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is positioned downstream of the outlet where material is deposited, rather than at the traditional locations (rear of sieve or straw walker). This spatial relocation to a different dimension in the material flow path ensures grain contacts the detection surface without being obscured by other material, resolving the measurement accuracy and reliability contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet acts as an intermediary element that directs material flow onto the detection surface of the sensing unit. This intermediary structure ensures grain is properly positioned and contacted by the sensor while preventing obstruction from other materials, thereby improving both measurement accuracy and reliability
2Device complexity
If sensors rely on gravity for material to fall onto detection surface, then simple positioning is achieved, but grain may not consistently contact the detection surface due to deflection by other material
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is positioned downstream of the outlet in the material deposition area, creating a new spatial arrangement where grain naturally contacts the detection surface. This positional change maintains simplicity while ensuring consistent grain contact, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision
3Ease of operation
If material flow is allowed to proceed without intervention, then natural grain deposition occurs, but grain loss monitoring accuracy is compromised due to obscuration
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet serves as an intermediary structure that naturally guides material flow onto the detection surface without requiring active intervention. This intermediary element maintains natural material flow while ensuring grain contacts the sensor, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning the sensing unit downstream of the outlet creates a favorable spatial relationship where natural material deposition ensures grain contact with the detection surface, achieving both natural flow operation and accurate measurement
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
Accurately measures grain loss by ensuring grain contacts the detection surface and allows for real-time adjustments to reduce grain loss, improving harvesting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
measure an impact parameter indicative of a force and/or frequency of material incident on a detection surface of the sensing unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A spreader tool for an agricultural machine, which comprises an inlet into which material is passed from one or more further components of the agricultural machine and an outlet through which the material may be deposited from the machine. A sensing unit is positioned within the flow path of material deposited through the outlet and configured, in use, to measure an impact parameter. The impact parameter is indicative of a force and/or frequency of material deposited from the spreader tool and incident on a detection surface of the sensing unit, which may be used to determine a grain loss associated with the machine.