Tailings Distribution Control for Combine Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combine harvesters face challenges in uniformly distributing crop material across the grain bed, leading to inefficient cleaning and heavy crop matter loss due to non-uniform loading, which requires labor-intensive manual adjustments by operators.
Innovation Solution
A system with sensors and a control system that monitors crop material distribution and adjusts the tailings distribution mechanism, including adjustable impellers and deflectors, to ensure even distribution across the grain bed, thereby optimizing the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustments are made to distribute crop material, then operator control is maintained, but labor intensity increases and uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect crop material distribution and control actuators to adjust the tailings distribution mechanism, enabling the system to self-regulate without operator intervention. This maintains uniform distribution while eliminating manual labor.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor the distribution of crop material on the grain bed and provide feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts the tailings distribution mechanism to maintain uniformity. This closed-loop control replaces manual adjustments with automated feedback-driven regulation.
2Productivity
If tailings are redistributed to the grain bed, then cleaning efficiency improves, but non-uniform loading increases causing heavy crop matter loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system distributes tailings to specific locations on the grain bed based on real-time sensor data, ensuring that each area receives appropriate loading. This localized control prevents overloading in any single area, maintaining uniform distribution and preventing heavy crop matter loss while maximizing cleaning efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the tailings distribution mechanism is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different loading conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tailings distribution mechanism incorporates adjustable components that can dynamically change their position or configuration based on sensor feedback. This allows the system to adapt to varying loading conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, balancing complexity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for use with the combine to modify tailings conveyed to a cleaning system grain bed. Methods and systems are provided that utilize one or more sensors to detect uneven distribution of crop material in the grain bed, which provides information for a controller to determine whether adjustments to a tailings distribution system is needed to encourage even distribution of crop material in the grain bed. Elements in the tailings distribution system can be adjusted to alter direction of tailings conveyed to the grain bed to encourage even distribution of crop material on the grain bed. The system may also inform an operator of suggested manual adjustments to mitigate the non-uniformity.