Terahertz Grain Sensing for Continuous Harvester Composition Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring grain mass and moisture content in combine harvesters are inaccurate, complex, and require repeated calibration, often involving ionizing radiation, which adds cost and complexity while providing limited compositional information beyond moisture content.

Innovation Solution

A terahertz frequency-based sensing system for agricultural harvesters that uses RF sensors to measure grain mass and constituent content, including protein, cellulose, starch, or oil, without ionizing radiation, enabling real-time, uninterrupted grain flow and reduced calibration demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to measure grain mass and moisture content, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision is poor and requires repeated calibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrain mass and moisture content measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity and calibration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical and electrical sensors with terahertz electromagnetic radiation-based sensing. The terahertz sensor system measures grain mass, moisture content, and compositional properties through non-contact electromagnetic interaction, eliminating the need for mechanical contact sensors and their associated calibration mechanisms. This substitution provides more accurate measurements without the repeated calibration requirements of conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes terahertz frequency electromagnetic radiation (a specific parameter range of the electromagnetic spectrum) to probe grain properties. By measuring the interaction of terahertz radiation with grain materials, the system extracts information about mass, moisture content, and composition. This parameter-based approach (using electromagnetic frequency interaction) provides direct measurement capability without mechanical calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If ionizing radiation is used for measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompositional analysis capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifically selects terahertz frequency (0.1-30 THz) electromagnetic radiation for sensing applications. This parameter selection is optimal because terahertz radiation provides sufficient energy to interact with molecular bonds and provide compositional information, yet remains non-ionizing and safe for agricultural applications. This resolves the contradiction by finding the right parameter range that provides measurement capability without the hazards and costs of ionizing radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If conventional sensing methods are used, then grain flow is interrupted for measurement, but measurement data is obtained, then productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrain composition dataVSAvoidgrain flow continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces contact-based mechanical sensing with non-contact terahertz electromagnetic sensing. The terahertz sensor system measures grain properties through electromagnetic radiation that passes through or reflects from the moving grain stream without physical contact. This allows continuous grain flow to be maintained while obtaining measurement data, as the electromagnetic field can penetrate and interact with grains in motion without requiring them to be stopped or diverted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides accurate, real-time measurement of grain mass and composition, reducing complexity and cost by avoiding ionizing radiation and enabling continuous grain flow with enhanced compositional analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a terahertz source disposed to direct electromagnetic radiation toward a harvest material of the agricultural harvester; at least one terahertz detector disposed to detect the terahertz electromagnetic radiation after the terahertz electromagnetic radiation interacts with the harvest material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation interaction: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12575496B2System and method for terahertz frequency crop contamination detection and handling

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A terahertz frequency-based sensing system for an agricultural harvester is provided. The system includes a terahertz sensor mounted to the agricultural harvester. The terahertz sensor at least one a terahertz source disposed to direct electromagnetic radiation toward a harvest material of the agricultural harvester. At least one terahertz detector is disposed to detect the terahertz electromagnetic radiation after the terahertz electromagnetic radiation interacts with the harvest material. A controller is operably coupled to the at least one terahertz detector and is configured to detect at least one harvest-related parameter based on a signal from the at least one terahertz detector and to perform an action based on the at least one detected parameter.