Material Transfer Chute Swing-Zone Interlock Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of material transfer machines in agricultural operations face challenges in determining when to initiate or end material transfer operations, due to difficulties in observing the material transfer subsystem or the on-board material tank, and in identifying interlock conditions such as objects in the swing path of the material transfer subsystem.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a material transfer machine equipped with a chute movable between a storage position and a deployed position, driven by an actuator, and integrated with processors, memory, and computer executable instructions that receive inputs to move the chute, identify a swing zone, and generate control signals based on determined conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the chute is moved between storage position and deployed position to enable material transfer operations, then the material transfer capability is improved, but the risk of collision with objects in the swing path increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial transfer capabilityVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the swing zone using sensors (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) before the chute begins its movement. The processor identifies objects in the swing path in advance and generates interlock conditions that prevent chute movement until the path is clear, thereby resolving the contradiction between enabling material transfer and preventing collision risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the swing zone during chute movement using sensors and provides real-time feedback to the processor. The processor adjusts the chute movement based on detected objects, generating control signals to stop or prevent movement when interlock conditions are met, thus balancing material transfer capability with collision prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the operator manually monitors the material transfer subsystem to determine when to initiate or end operations, then the control flexibility is maintained, but the observation difficulty increases leading to operational inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidobservation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The material transfer machine performs self-monitoring through integrated sensors (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) that automatically detect the material transfer subsystem status, material tank levels, and swing zone conditions. The processor autonomously determines when to initiate or end operations and generates control signals without requiring continuous manual observation, thereby maintaining control flexibility while eliminating observation difficulties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual visual monitoring with automated sensor-based detection systems. Sensors continuously monitor material transfer status, tank levels, and environmental conditions, substituting the operator's visual observation capability with electronic sensing that overcomes the limitations of human observation from the operator compartment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the chute movement is allowed without interlock conditions to maintain operational speed, then the productivity is improved, but the material spill risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational speedVSAvoidmaterial spill prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of interlock conditions (objects in swing path, improper chute positioning) before material transfer begins. The processor evaluates sensor data in advance and only permits chute movement when conditions are safe, preventing material spill while maintaining operational speed by avoiding mid-operation interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors interlock conditions during material transfer operations and provides real-time feedback to the control system. The processor adjusts chute movement based on detected conditions, generating control signals to prevent or stop movement that would cause material spill, thereby ensuring reliability without significantly impacting productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250133985A1Material transfer subsystem extension control

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A material transfer machine includes a material receptacle that holds material and a material transfer subsystem operable to transfer the material from the material receptacle to another location, the material transfer subsystem comprising a chute moveable between a storage position and a deployed position and an actuator that drives movement of the chute between the storage position and the deployed position. The material transfer machine further includes one or more processors, memory, and computer executable instructions, stored in the memory, that, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the one or more processors to: receive an input indicating that the chute should be moved from the storage position to the deployed position; identify a swing zone defining an area in which the chute will travel when moved from the storage position to the deployed position by the actuator; and generate a control signal based on the determination.