Vision Sensor Vibration Cleaning for Dusty Agricultural Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dust and debris accumulation on vision-based sensors of agricultural machines obstructs the camera lenses, leading to poor image quality and reduced performance during agricultural operations.
Innovation Solution
A vibration source, such as an oscillator or ultrasonic transmitter, is used to oscillate the vision-based sensor to remove debris by breaking the bond between the debris and the sensor, improving image capture quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the agricultural machine operates in dusty field conditions, then productivity is improved, but debris accumulates on the vision sensor leading to reduced measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration source that oscillates the vision sensor at frequencies sufficient to break the bond between debris particles and the sensor surface. This vibrational cleaning mechanism allows continuous operation in dusty conditions while maintaining measurement precision by periodically removing accumulated debris without interrupting agricultural productivity.
2Measurement precision
If the vision sensor is continuously cleaned to maintain image quality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vision sensor performs self-cleaning through its own vibration when actuated by the vibration source. The sensor structure itself serves as the cleaning surface, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms, fluids, or complex mechanical systems. This self-service approach maintains measurement precision while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a simple vibration source to generate oscillations that directly clean the sensor surface through mechanical means, avoiding complex cleaning mechanisms. The vibration frequency and amplitude are controlled to be effective for debris removal while maintaining system simplicity and reliability.
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 effectively removes debris from the sensor lenses, ensuring clear image capture and maintaining the functionality of vision-based sensors during agricultural operations.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration source configured to oscillate the vision-based sensor to remove debris from the vision-based sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for removing debris from a vision-based sensor of an agricultural machine includes an agricultural machine and a vision-based sensor supported on the agricultural machine. The vision-based sensor is configured to generate vision data. The system further includes a vibration source configured to be a separate component from the vision-based sensor. The vibration source is supported on the agricultural machine. Moreover, the vibration source is configured to oscillate the vision-based sensor to remove debris from the vision-based sensor.