Tailings Processor Aggressiveness Control via Grain Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The effectiveness of tailings processors in agricultural harvesters is often determined through a cumbersome process of trial and error, requiring manual adjustment of radial or threshing clearance, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system with a sensor or grain camera connected to a control system that adjusts the aggressiveness of the tailings processor by varying the radial or threshing clearance based on real-time imaging of grain samples, optimizing the re-threshing process without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of radial or threshing clearance is used to determine tailings processor effectiveness, then the processor can be optimized for different crops and conditions, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of the tailings processor with an automated optical sensing system. A camera captures images of grain samples, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze the grain to determine threshing effectiveness, eliminating the need for manual clearance adjustments and trial-and-error processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment by using automated image capture and analysis to monitor grain quality and tailings processor performance in real-time, allowing the system to automatically determine when adjustment is needed without operator intervention.
2Reliability
If manual trial and error adjustment is used to optimize tailings processor, then the processor effectiveness can be improved, but operator effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where a camera continuously captures images of grain samples from the tailings processor, image processing algorithms analyze the grain characteristics, and the results provide real-time feedback on processor effectiveness, enabling automated monitoring and adjustment without increased operator effort.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual monitoring and adjustment operations are replaced by an automated system combining optical sensing, image capture, and digital image processing algorithms that objectively assess grain quality and processor performance.
3Productivity
If real-time imaging and automatic adjustment system is implemented, then time consumption and operator effort are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that acts as a mediator between the physical tailings processor and the control system. The camera and image processing algorithms translate physical grain characteristics into actionable data, simplifying the overall control architecture despite the added sensing components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the aggressiveness of a tailings processor that re-threshes tailings received from the grain cleaning system in an agricultural harvester is provided with at least one imaging device to image a grain sample. At least a portion of the grain sample has at least once passed through the tailings processor. A controller is connected to the imaging device and to an arrangement to automatically adjust the aggressiveness of the tailings processor. The controller is configured to automatically adjust the aggressiveness of the tailings processor using the arrangement, based on based on the level of broken grain and/or unthreshed grain determined from the image from the at least one imaging device by comparing the level of broken grain and/or unthreshed grain to the desired level.