Terahertz Threshing Loss Measurement for Real-Time Kernel Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining threshing losses in combine harvesters are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inaccurate, often leading to increased fuel consumption and broken grain kernels due to aggressive threshing or incomplete threshing.
Innovation Solution
A method using terahertz radiation to create a two-dimensional image of the crop sample, identifying ears and grain kernels, and determining threshing losses based on unthreshed kernels, combined with optional image sensors and AI algorithms for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection by operator is used to assess threshing losses, then threshing losses can be assessed, but it is labour intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection by the operator with an automated optical detection system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system automatically captures images of crop residue and uses computer vision to identify and count grain kernels, eliminating the need for manual picking and inspection while providing continuous real-time measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of the crop residue and grain kernels, allowing automated analysis of threshing losses through digital image processing rather than direct physical inspection. Multiple cameras capture different views and the images are processed to generate accurate measurements of grain loss.
2Loss of substance
If aggressive threshing is used to reduce threshing losses, then grain yield increases, but fuel consumption increases and grain kernels break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the optical detection system continuously monitors threshing losses in real-time and provides data to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts threshing parameters such as drum speed, concave clearance, or rotor speed to optimize the balance between reducing grain loss and minimizing fuel consumption, preventing both excessive loss and unnecessary energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of threshing parameters based on real-time conditions and measured grain loss. Rather than using fixed aggressive settings, the threshing mechanism parameters can be continuously adapted to match actual field conditions, crop types, and moisture content, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining low grain loss.
3Measurement precision
If supplementary threshing section is activated to measure threshing losses, then grain kernels can be detected, but energy consumption increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical supplementary threshing section with an optical detection system using cameras and image processing. Instead of mechanically re-threshing crop residue to detect grain kernels, the system uses visual detection methods to identify and count kernels in the residue, eliminating the additional energy consumption while maintaining measurement capability.
4Use of energy by moving object
If threshing settings are optimized to reduce fuel consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but threshing losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time optical monitoring system provides continuous feedback on actual grain loss, enabling the control system to make precise adjustments to maintain optimal threshing efficiency. This feedback loop ensures that energy-saving settings do not inadvertently allow grain loss to increase, as the system can detect and correct suboptimal performance immediately.
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
Accurately measures threshing losses with reduced power consumption, enabling optimized threshing settings for minimal losses and fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one terahertz emitter for emitting electromagnetic waves having a frequency in a range of 0.1-10 THz
Implementation Method 2
at least one terahertz sensor for measuring a transmission of the electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 3
measuring a reflection and/or a transmission of the electromagnetic waves by the crop sample
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided for determining a threshing loss in a threshing system. The method includes irradiating a crop sample downstream at least a portion of a threshing system with electromagnetic waves having a frequency in a range of 0.1-10 THz, measuring a reflection and/or a transmission of the electromagnetic waves by the crop sample, establishing, based on the measured reflection and/or transmission, an at least two-dimensional terahertz image of the crop sample, identifying at least one ear in the terahertz image, identifying at least one grain kernel in the identified ear, and determining the threshing loss based on the identified grain kernel.