Stalk Sensor Apparatus for Diameter Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural combine harvesters lack efficient methods for accurately measuring stalk diameter and yield estimation, leading to inefficiencies in crop harvesting and yield mapping.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a stalk measurement system using a pair of stalk sensors mounted on the combine harvester, which measure stalk diameter by detecting the displacement of feelers and calculating the diameter based on the angle of deflection, and a harvest monitor that records and processes this data to create detailed yield maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stalk sensors are mounted on the combine harvester to measure stalk diameter, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stalk measurement system is divided into multiple independent stalk sensors, each equipped with feelers that can independently deflect and measure individual stalks. This segmentation allows each sensor to focus on measuring single stalks passing through, improving measurement precision while keeping each sensor unit relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Feelers serve as intermediary elements between the stalks and the measurement mechanism. The feelers deflect in response to stalk diameter and transmit this mechanical deflection to position sensors, which convert it into electrical signals for processing. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If a pair of stalk sensors are used to measure stalk diameter through feeler displacement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple stalk sensors are mounted in pairs on the combine harvester, with each sensor containing multiple feelers that work together to measure stalk diameter. The sensors are integrated into a unified measurement system that processes signals from all feelers collectively, improving measurement accuracy through redundant measurements while managing component complexity through systematic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The stalk measurement system is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring stalk diameter, estimating yield, and creating yield maps. The same sensor assembly and data processing system handle all these functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems for each function and thereby managing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If stalk diameter measurement data is collected and processed to create yield maps, then yield estimation accuracy is improved, but loss of time in data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects and pre-processes stalk diameter measurement data during harvesting operations, organizing it into usable formats before final yield map generation. This preliminary data organization and processing during the harvesting process reduces the time required for final yield estimation and map creation, as the data is already structured and ready for analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback by processing stalk diameter measurements in real-time or near-real-time during harvesting, allowing for immediate yield estimation and map updates. This feedback mechanism enables the system to process data incrementally as it is collected, rather than requiring batch processing of all data after harvesting is complete, thereby reducing overall processing time.
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
This solution enables precise stalk diameter measurement and yield estimation, improving the accuracy of yield mapping and allowing for better crop management and optimization of harvesting processes.
Implementation Method 1
measure stalk diameter by detecting the displacement of feelers and calculating the diameter based on the angle of deflection
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus for detecting stalks processed by a combine harvester, for measuring stalk diameters, and for displaying harvest metrics and yield data to a user based on stalk locations and stalk diameters.