Steerable Residue Spreader with Wave Sensor for Dust-Resistant Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing residue spreading systems in agricultural combines face challenges in accurately and reliably distributing residue due to dust interference and difficulty in distinguishing residue from the ground surface, making it hard to measure residue thickness and distribution effectively.
Innovation Solution
A steerable residue spreading system equipped with a sensor that emits a wave signal with a wavelength between 0.001 mm and 50 mm, allowing it to differentiate between residue and dust reflections, enabling precise measurement and distribution adjustment based on reflections from specific zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is used to measure residue distribution, then measurement capability is improved, but dust interference obstructs the view and prevents accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of wave signal wavelength to a specific range (0.001 mm to 50 mm) that enables differentiation between residue and dust reflections. This wavelength selection allows the sensor to penetrate dust while accurately detecting residue, resolving the measurement obstruction caused by dust interference
2Ease of operation
If visual checking is used to monitor residue distribution, then simplicity is maintained, but dust obstructs the view making visual checking impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual checking method with a sensor-based detection system that uses wave signals. This substitution eliminates the need for direct visual observation, allowing accurate residue distribution measurement even in dusty conditions where visual checking would be obstructed
3Area of stationary object
If the residue spreading system throws residue with significant force to cover the header width, then distribution coverage is improved, but residue flies through air over substantial distance creating dust cloud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful dust cloud generated by forceful residue spreading into a beneficial measurement medium. By selecting an appropriate wave signal wavelength, the system can penetrate the dust cloud and accurately detect residue distribution, transforming the obstruction into a transparent measurement environment
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 measures and adjusts the residue distribution by minimizing dust interference and accurately determining residue amounts, leading to improved distribution accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is provided for emitting a wave signal in the direction of the residue when the combine is spreading the residue, and wherein the sensor is provided for measuring reflections of the signal from a first zone of the residue and from a second zone of the residue
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural combine including a residue spreading system that is steerable to influence distribution of the residue spreading system. The combine is provided with a sensor provided for emitting a wave signal through the residue when the combine is spreading the residue. The sensor is configured to measure reflections of the signal from a first zone of the residue and from a second zone of the residue. The spreading system is steered based on the reflections. The wave signal has a wavelength that is larger than 0.001 mm and that is smaller than 50 mm.