Automated Unloading Control Using Weight-Position Fill Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural unloading systems face difficulties in accurately controlling the unloading process due to conditions such as dust or obscurants that hinder optical or volumetric estimation systems, leading to unreliable automated control.
Innovation Solution
A weight versus position fill profile system that uses weight sensors to control the position of a material transfer vehicle relative to a container, enabling precise unloading by adjusting the landing point of material based on weight or mass transferred, independent of optical conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If optical or volumetric estimation systems are used to control unloading, then automation level is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to dust and obscurants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical/volumetric estimation systems with a weight-based measurement system. Weight sensors directly measure the mass of material in the container, providing reliable automated control that is not affected by dust or obscurants. This substitution of measurement methodology resolves the contradiction by maintaining automation while eliminating susceptibility to environmental interference.
2Measurement precision
If weight sensors are used to measure material weight, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces weight sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure material weight by measuring the reaction force on the container. This intermediary approach provides precise measurement without requiring direct complex measurement of material properties, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the material transfer vehicle adjusts position based on weight profile, then unloading precision is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where weight sensor measurements are continuously fed back to the control system, which adjusts the material transfer vehicle position according to a predetermined weight profile. This feedback mechanism achieves precise unloading control while using a relatively simple control algorithm based on weight comparisons, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
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
Ensures reliable and accurate unloading operations by compensating for environmental obstructions, allowing for seamless integration with optical systems and maintaining unloading efficiency even in dusty environments.
Implementation Method 1
A weight versus position fill profile is obtained for the container. The unloading operation is automatically controlled to transfer material to the container according to the weight versus position fill profile.
Implementation Method 2
The unloading control system receives a weight/mass signal indicative of the weight/mass of material transferred to the container and generates control signals to control the landing point of material in the container based upon the fill profile and the weight/mass of material transferred.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An unloading control system accesses a weight/mass versus position fill profile (182) for an identified container (118). The unloading control system generates control signals to position the material transfer vehicle (106) so that an initial landing point of material in the container (118) is at a desired positioned based upon the fill profile (182). The unloading control system generates control signals to unload material into the container (118) according to the weight/mass versus position fill profile (182) and obtains an indication of the weight/mass of material transferred. The control system generates control signals to control the landing point of material in the container (118) based upon the fill profile (182) and the weight/mass of material transferred.