• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
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    • 专利摘要:
    device, systems and productivity monitoring methods. the present invention relates to an apparatus, systems and methods are provided for monitoring productivity during grain harvesting.
    公开号:BR112014003001B1
    申请号:R112014003001-4
    申请日:2012-08-10
    公开日:2020-09-29
    发明作者:Michael D. Strnad；Justin L. Koch
    申请人:Precision Planting Llc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    BACKGROUND
    [0001] Monitoring of productivity live or in real time during the harvest is known in the art. A commercially available type of productivity monitor uses an impact-type mass flow sensor, such as that disclosed in United States Patent No. 5,343,761, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference. Although these monitors, in general, are able to indicate the relative rate of mass flow in the combine (combined harvester and combine) during harvesting, they are known to be substantially inaccurate. As market interest and investment in location-specific agricultural practices (for example, variable rate planting and crop input applications) has increased, the need for accurate productivity measurements with GPS-tracked locations has become more significant .
    [0002] As such, there is a need for apparatus, systems and methods for precisely measuring the mass flow rate of grains during harvest. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0003] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a conventional combination.
    [0004] FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional clean grain elevator with a conventional impact type productivity shovel.
    [0005] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the upper portion of the grain elevator housing of FIG. 2, illustrating preferred plans for removing a portion of the grain elevator housing and drilling holes in the elevator housing for installation of a productivity sensor unit.
    [0006] FIG. 4A illustrates the same portion of the clean grain elevator of FIG. 3 with an installed productivity sensor unit modality.
    [0007] FIG. 4B illustrates the grain as it is being launched from elevator flights against the installed productivity sensor unit.
    [0008] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the productivity sensor unit embodiment of FIG. 4A.
    [0009] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the productivity sensor unit of FIG. 5;
    [00010] FIG. 7A is a front elevation view of the productivity sensor unit of FIG. 5.
    [00011] FIG. 7B is a rear elevation view of the productivity sensor unit of FIG. 5.
    [00012] FIG. 8A is a top view of the productivity sensor unit of FIG. 5.
    [00013] FIG. 8B is a bottom view of the productivity sensor unit of FIG. 5.
    [00014] FIG. 9A is an enlarged partial top view of the productivity sensor unit of FIG. 5.
    [00015] FIG. 9B is an enlarged partial bottom view of the productivity sensor unit of FIG. 5.
    [00016] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the productivity sensor unit as seen along lines 10-10 of FIG. 8B.
    [00017] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the productivity sensor unit as seen along lines 11-11 of FIG. 8A.
    [00018] FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial view of the areas surrounded by a circle in FIG. 11.
    [00019] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the productivity sensor unit along lines 13 - 13 of FIG. 8A.
    [00020] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the circled area of FIG. 13, illustrating the deflection of the sensor plate.
    [00021] FIG. 14B is an enlarged view of the circled area of FIG. 14A.
    [00022] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a productivity monitoring system.
    [00023] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a process for manufacturing the productivity sensor housing of FIG. 5.
    [00024] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a process for installing the productivity sensor unit of FIG. 5 in a clean grain elevator housing.
    [00025] FIG. 18 is a cut-away rear view of a clean grain elevator housing incorporating a grain height sensor mode.
    [00026] FIG. 19 illustrates a modality of a process for generating a productivity map.
    [00027] FIG. 20 illustrates a modality of a process for calibrating a productivity sensor using a grain height sensor signal.
    [00028] FIG. 21 illustrates a side elevation view of an upper portion of a clean grain elevator with another embodiment of a productivity sensor unit.
    [00029] FIG. 22A illustrates a side elevation view of a clean grain elevator with a side view of yet another embodiment of a productivity sensor unit.
    [00030] FIG. 22B is an enlarged side view of the productivity sensor unit of FIG. 22A
    [00031] FIG. 22C is another side view of the productivity sensor unit of FIG. 22A illustrating grain velocity profiles within a clean grain elevator housing.
    [00032] FIG. 23 is a graph of a productivity sensor signal
    [00033] FIG. 24 illustrates a process for determining the mass flow rate, volumetric flow rate and grain test weight. DESCRIPTION Combine conventional and productivity sensor
    [00034] Referring to the drawings, in which reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts across all the different views, FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional combine 300. In operation, as the operator in booth 312 drives the combine 300 across the field, the crop being harvested is pulled through the head 315 to the feed channel 316, where the grain is separated from the other plant material harvested. The separated grain is lifted by a clean grain elevator 30 before being discharged into a collection area 318. The grain is then lifted from the collection area 318 by a source auger 350 and is discharged into a storage container incorporated in the combine, such as a grain tank 320. The grain is subsequently transported by a cross auger 322 to an unloading auger 330, which unloads the grain into a grain cart, wagon, truck or other vehicle for transportation to further processing or storage.
    [00035] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the clean grain elevator 30 within the elevator housing 20 of the combine 300. The elevator 30 is driven around an upper sprocket 35-1 and a lower sprocket 35-2. The elevator 30 includes flights 32, which collect grain from a lower area, usually indicated by the reference numeral 14. Flights 32 lead the grain to the height of elevator 30. As flights 32 rotate beyond the sprocket higher than 35-1, the grain is thrown towards the impact paddle 40, mounted inside the elevator housing 20 in the area generally designated by reference numeral 16. The grain hits the surface of the paddle 40 before falling into the collection area 318. Paddle 40, in general, is instrumented (for example, with tension meters) to provide a signal related to the impact force of the grain. This signal is then transmitted to a productivity monitor for processing where the impact force is correlated with the mass of the grain that is shown to the operator, typically in bushels per acre. Productivity sensor, manufacturing and installation
    [00036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modality of a productivity sensor unit 100, described in greater detail later. Returning to FIGS. 3 and 4A, the productivity sensor unit 100 is preferably installed at or near the top end of the clean grain elevator by removing a section of the elevator housing 20. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, a Pv plane extends through the center C of the upper sprocket 35-1 and through the center of the lower sprocket 35-2 (FIG. 2). The productivity sensor unit 100 includes a rear clamping ferrule 140 which extends behind a PI plane. The rear fixing ferrule 140 preferably includes holes 149 (FIG. 5) aligned along a plane A for receiving screws 142. The productivity sensor unit 100 includes a front fixing ferrule 150 that extends in front of the plan P2. The front fixing ferrule 150 preferably includes holes 159 (FIG. 5) aligned along a plane B for receiving screws 152. Protrusions 162 are preferably arranged below each hole in the front fixing ferrule 150. The fixing ferrules 140, 150 are further illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, which illustrate the productivity sensor unit 100 d from the front and rear, respectively.
    [00037] FIG. 17 illustrates a process generally designated by reference numeral 1700 for installing the productivity sensor 100. In step 1710, the operator preferably cuts an opening in the elevator housing 20 (for example, using an acetylene torch) ) extending between two planes P2 and P1 (FIG. 3) extending through the elevator housing forwards and backwards, respectively, of the plan Pv. The opening preferably has a width (on the page in the view of figure S) sized to receive the productivity sensor unit 100. The operator then removes the portion 22 (FIG. 3) from the housing 20 inside the opening. In step 1720, the operator preferably lowers the productivity sensor unit 100 at the opening. In step 1730, the operator preferably guides the screws 152 through the holes in the front fixing ferrule 150. The screws 152 are preferably self-drilling. In step 1740, the operator preferably drives the screws 152 in the elevator housing 20, thereby securing the front fixing ferrule 150 to the elevator housing. In step 1750, the operator preferably guides the screws 142 through the holes in the rear fixing ferrule 140. The screws 142 are preferably self-drilling. In step 1760, the operator preferably drives the screws 142 in the elevator housing 20, thereby securing the rear fixing ferrule 140 in the elevator housing. It should be appreciated that process steps 1700 can be performed outside the elevator housing 20, so that the operator is not required to dismantle the elevator housing to install the productivity sensor unit 100.
    [00038] It should be appreciated that the installation of the productivity sensor unit 100 can be carried out by means of modified processes. For example, other embodiments of the elevator housing 20 are preferably manufactured with an opening for receiving the productivity sensor unit WO, so that cutting an opening in the elevator housing is unnecessary.
    [00039] Returning to FIG. 5, the productivity sensor unit 100 is illustrated from a top perspective view. The productivity sensor unit 100 includes a sensor housing 110. The productivity sensor unit 100 preferably includes left and right sensors 200-1, 200-2, respectively. A cover (not shown) is preferably removably mounted on sensor housing 110 at an upper end of it for protection of sensors 200. Sensors 200 are mounted on sensor housing 110.
    [00040] Sensors 200 are mounted on a front end on a sensor plate 120. Referring to FIG. 6, which illustrates a bottom perspective view of the productivity sensor unit 100, sensor plate 120 has sensor surface 122. Sensor surface 122 is arranged between a pre-sensor surface 112 and a post-surface sensor 132. The pre-sensor surface 112 and the post-sensor surface 132. The pre-sensor surface 112 and the post-sensor surface 132 comprise lower surfaces of the sensor housing 110. Referring to FIG. 8B, a width Ws of the sensor surface 122 is preferably approximately half the width of the elevator runs 32.
    [00041] Referring to FIG. 13, surfaces 112, 122, 132 are preferably concentric around the center C of the upper sprocket 35-1. Surfaces 112, 122, 132 preferably have equal radii of curvature. The P and Q planes intersect the center of the upper sprocket 35-1 and a front end 121 and a rear end 123 (FIG. 14A), respectively, of the sensor surface 122. The P plane is preferably approximately coplanar with the elevator plane Pv (FIG. 3) so that a front end 121 (FIG. 14A) of 122 is located close to the elevator plane Pv. The elevator plane Pv preferably intersects sensor surface 122. Planes P and Q define an angle A. Angle A is preferably small enough that the front end 121 and the rear end 123 of the surface 122 are close to the plane of the Pv elevator plane. Angle A is preferably less than the maximum radial measurement (measured around point C) of each pile of contiguous grains 50 sliding along the sensor surface 122 (e.g., grain pile 50-4 in FIG 4B) at operational flow rates (for example, at a grain mass flow rate of 25 kilograms per second). Angle A is preferably 15 degrees.
    [00042] Continuing the reference to FIG. 13, the surface 112 extends backwards to a transition plane 148 which rests on the elevator housing 20. It should be appreciated that the transition plane 149 is the location where any grain that has been thrown from moves 32 against the interior of the elevator housing 20 will experience a transition between contacting the interior of the elevator housing and contacting the pre-sensor surface 112. It should also be appreciated that the flow of grain against the surfaces can experience a disturbance if the grain finds a gap between the transition plane 148 and the elevator housing 20 or if the pre-sensor surface 112 is not coplanar with the interior surface of the elevator housing. It should also be appreciated that this disturbance is then reduced progressively as the grain continues to circulate against the surface 112. The O plane represents an angular position in an anti-clockwise direction that this disturbance will be sufficiently reduced before plane P, so that the disturbance has no significant impact on the signal generated by sensors 200. Plane N represents a counterclockwise plane from which grain is not thrown against the interior surface of the elevator housing 20 (or the pre-sensor surface 112) at expected flow rates. The transition plane 148 is preferably counterclockwise from plane O. The transition plane 148 is preferably counterclockwise from plane N. The transition plane 148, from preferably, it is contrary to the clock hands of the O plane. The transition plane 148 is preferably 45 degrees counter to the clock hands of the rear end 123 (FIG. 14A) of the sensor surface 122.
    [00043] FIG. 16 illustrates a process generally designated by reference numeral 1600 for manufacturing sensor housing 110 and sensor plate 120. In step 1619, sensor housing 110 and sensor plate 120 are preferably made of ductile cast iron as an integral foundry. In step 1620, the bottom surface of the integral smelter is preferably treated to improve the material properties of the surface exposed to the grain flow in operation. For example, a thermal spraying process, such as high-fuel oxy-fuel coating speed (HVOF) of tungsten carbide is preferably applied to optimize the resistance of the lower surface to the wear resulting from the grain flow. In step 1630, the sensor plate 120 is cut from the sensor housing 110. It should be appreciated that, in light of the present exposure, the casting and treatment of the sensor plate 120 together with the sensor housing 110 results in wear properties similar to surfaces 112, 122, 132 (FIG. 6).
    [00044] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the productivity sensor unit 100 is illustrated in top and bottom views, respectively. Returning to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the productivity sensor unit is shown, also from top and bottom views, respectively and enlarged to better illustrate a small gap 126, preferably arranged between the sensor plate 120 and the sensor housing 110. The clearance 126 is preferably less than the minimum width of the grain to be harvested (for example, less than 5 hundredths of an inch) with the combine 300 so that the grain is substantially excluded from entering the gap 126. Additionally, gap 126 is preferably sealed with elastic gel (not shown) such as a resistant dielectric gel, available from Dow Corning, Midland, Michigan. Sensor device
    [00045] The sensors 200 are illustrated in detail in FIGS. 10 - 12. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, each sensor 200 preferably includes a panel support 210 mounted on panel support 210. The printed circuit panel 230 preferably includes a Hall effect sensor 232 in electrical communication with a circuit process for receiving a signal from the Hall effect sensor. In other embodiments, the Hall 232 effect sensor is replaced with other types of displacement sensors as are known in the art. An upper spring 212 is preferably mounted on a rear end on panel support 210. A lower spring 214 is preferably mounted on a rear end on panel support 210. Upper spring 212 is preferably mounted , at a front end on an upper magnet holder 222. The lower spring 214 is preferably mounted on a front end on a lower magnet holder 224. Spring 212 and spring 214 are preferably substantially parallel. It should be appreciated that the springs 212, 214 comprise a parallel support arm arrangement for supporting the sensor plate 120. The springs 212 of each sensor 200 are preferably substantially coplanar. Also, the springs 214 of each sensor 200 are preferably substantially coplanar. An upper magnet 242 is preferably mounted on the upper magnet holder 222. A lower magnet 244 is preferably mounted on the lower magnet holder 224. As best illustrated in FIG. 11. The springs 212, 214 and the panel support 210 are preferably mounted in the sensor housing 110 by means of threaded screws in the sensor housing. Springs 212, 214 and magnet holders 222, 224 are preferably mounted on sensor plate 120 by threaded screws on the sensor plate.
    [00046] As illustrated in FIG. 12, magnets 242, 244 have similar poles 252, 254, respectively, which preferably face each other. Magnets 242, 244 preferably have substantially equivalent size and strength, so that the magnetic field is approximately along a plane Pm equidistant from magnets 242, 244. The plane Pm preferably intersects the Hall effect 232 when sensor plate 120 is not being deflected upwards by the grain flow. Operation
    [00047] In operation, as best illustrated in FIG. 4B, the clean grain elevator 30 collects individual grain stacks 50 near a lower end and launches the grain stacks forward. As the grain stacks 50 travel around the top of the conveyor, they move radially out of the upper sprocket 35-1 and slide along the productivity sensor unit 100.
    [00048] FIG. 4B further illustrates the approximate shape of the grain stacks 50 in various stages while grain stacks are conducted around the upper end of the elevator 30. The grain stacks 50-1 d 50-2 rest on the throws 32. The grain stacks 50-3 started to move around the top of elevator 30 and were partially deformed in a radially outward manner by centrifugal acceleration.
    [00049] In a clockwise region of the Pv plane, stacks of degrees, such as the 50-4 grain pile, were still deformed and transformed, so that they were released from move 32 and slide along the unit productivity sensor 100. Thus, the front end 121 (FIG. 14A) of the sensor surface 122 is preferably located near the elevator plane Pv.
    [00050] In an angularly clockwise region of a plane R intersecting the center C of sprocket 35-1, the grain stack 50-5 begins to lose its contiguous shape while the grain is dispersed. Thus (as seen best in FIG. 13, the Q plane, denoting the front end 121 (FIG. 14A) of the sensor surface 122, is preferably counterclockwise to the R plane so that the grain passes through along the sensor surface 122 it is contiguous in shape.
    [00051] It should be appreciated that the flow of grain through surfaces 112, 122, 132 exerts radially outward forces against those surfaces. Surfaces 112, 132 are substantially unaffected by these forces. However, as best illustrated in FIGS. 14A, which is an enlarged view of the circled area of FIG. 13 and 14B, which is an enlarged view of the circled area of FIG. 14A, surface 122 is deflected slightly upward by a distance d from an undeflected position (indicated by reference numeral 122-1) and its deflected position. It should also be appreciated that the deflection of the surface 122 results from translation of the entire sensor plate 120, because the sensor plate preferably comprises a solid steel cast, the surface 122 is sufficiently resistant and hard so that the surface itself surface 122 is not substantially deformed by contact with the passing grain. In addition, due to the parallel arrangement of 212, 214, the deflection of the surface 122 is preferably substantially by simple translation (i.e., substantially without rotation), so that each point along the surface 122 is deflected to upward by substantially the same distance. The maximum deflection D of the blade is preferably approximately 5 thousandths of an inch. It should be appreciated that the illustrated deflection D is exaggerated in FIGS. 14A and 14B for illustrative purposes. In addition, the non-deflected position of the front end 121 of surface 122 is preferably greater than a rear end of surface 112 by a very short distance (for example, less than 10 thousandths of an inch) to ensure that the grain does not will face a horizontal surface when moving the rear end of surface 112 to sensor surface 122. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 14A, the fully deflected position of the rear end 123 of surface 122 is preferably less than the front end of surface 132 by a very short distance (for example, less than 10 thousandths of an inch) to ensure that the grain does not finds a horizontal surface when moving from the rear end 123 of surface 122 to sensor surface 132, even when surface 122 is completely deflected upward. It should be appreciated that the position of surface 132 in relation to surface 122 is exaggerated in FIG. 14A for illustrative purposes.
    [00052] Due to the preferably small size of the gap 126 (FIG. 11), the preferably small upward displacement of surface 122 (FIG. 14A) of the deflection, preferably small, of surface 122 in operation and the curvature preferably, common to surfaces 112 and 122 (best seen in FIG. 13), surfaces 112 and 122 preferably comprise an almost continuous surface and preferably allow substantially continuous grain flow through both surfaces over the operation. Similarly, due to the small preference gap 126 (FIG. 11), the small upward displacement of surface 132 in relation to surface 122 in both positions, both deflected and non-deflected, of surface 122 ( FIG. 14A), the substantially small deflection of the operating surface 122 and the preferably common curvature of the surfaces 122 and 132 (best seen in FIG. 13), the surfaces 122 and 132 preferably comprise an almost continuous surface and preferably, they allow the flow of substantially continuous grain through both surfaces during operation. Thus, it should be appreciated that surfaces 112, 122 and 132, preferably, comprise an almost continuous surface and, preferably, allow a substantially continuous grain flow through all three surfaces during operation.
    [00053] Returning to FIG. 11, the upward deflection D is permitted by the deformation of the springs 212, 214 of the sensor 200. In order to allow only a very small maximum deformation D of the surface 122, the effective spring rate of the springs 212, 214 is preferably approximately 20 pounds per two hundred of an inch. The natural frequency of the productivity sensor unit 100 is preferably greater than ten times the maximum frequency at which the grain stacks 50 contact the sensor surface 112. The natural frequency of the productivity sensor unit 100 is preferably approximately 400 hertz.
    [00054] Returning to FIG. 12, as the sensor plate 120 is deflected upwards, magnets 242, 244 deflect upwards, so that the Hall effect sensor 232 is exposed to a stronger magnetic field. Thus, as the deflection of the sensor plate 120 increases, a signal generated by the Hall effect sensor 232 increases. It should be appreciated that, as the Pm plane, representing the zero magnetic field (as discussed here elsewhere with respect to FIG. 12) intersects the Hall effect sensor 232 in the non-deflected state, the signal generated by link 232 changes from almost zero to a non-zero value by deflecting sensor plate 120. This results in more clearly delineated pulses in the signal, making the signal more conductive for processing. Productivity measurement systems.
    [00055] A productivity measurement system 400 is illustrated in FIG. 15 with respect to combine 300. The productivity measuring system 400 preferably includes a productivity sensor unit 100. As discussed here elsewhere, the productivity sensor unit 100 is preferably mounted in the elevator housing. clean grains above the clean grain elevator. The productivity measurement system 400 preferably also includes a grain height sensor 410, a humidity sensor 420, a global positioning receiver 430, a graphical user interface 440 and a processing panel 450.
    [00056] The grain height sensor 410 preferably comprises a sensor configured and arranged to measure the height of the grain being lifted by the clean grain elevator. The grain height sensor 410 is preferably mounted on the sides of the clean grain elevator housing 20 adjacent to the location where grain stacks 50 are lifted vertically before reaching the top of the clean grain elevator 30. The height sensor grain is preferably arranged below the center C of the upper sprocket 35-1, so that the grain stacks 50 have not been deformed by the rotation of the throws 32 around the upper sprocket 35-1. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the grain height sensor 410 preferably comprises an optical transmitter 412 configured to emit a beam 416 towards a receiver 414 disposed opposite the passing grain stacks 50. The receiver 414 is preferably in electrical communication with the processing panel 450. In some embodiments, the grain height sensor 410 can comprise a commercially available grain height sensor, such as that used in the Productivity Monitor 8000, available from Loup Electronics, in Lincoln, Nebraska. It should be appreciated that the grain height sensor 410 is not required for operation of the productivity measurement system 400 or the productivity sensor unit 410.
    [00057] The humidity sensor 420 preferably comprises a sensor arranged to measure the moisture of the grain being lifted by the clean grain elevator 30. For example, in some embodiments, the humidity sensor 420 comprises a humidity sensor capacitive, such as that disclosed in United States Patent No. 6,285,198, the exposure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The humidity sensor 420 is preferably mounted on the side of the clean grain elevator housing 20, adjacent to the location where the grain stacks 50 are lifted vertically before reaching the top of the clean grain elevator 30. The humidity sensor 420 is preferably in electrical communication with the processing panel 450.
    [00058] The global positioning receiver 430 preferably comprises a receiver configured to receive a signal from the global positioning system (GPS) or similar geographic reference system. The global positioning receiver 430 is preferably mounted on top of the combine 300. The global positioning receiver 430 is in electrical communication with the processing panel 450.
    [00059] The processing panel 450 preferably comprises a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory for processing and storing signals from the system components 410, 420, 100, 430 and data transmission to the graphical interface of 440 user.
    [00060] The graphical user interface 440 preferably comprises a central processing unit (CPU), a memory and interactive display interface, operable to accept instructions and data from the operator. The graphical user interface 440 is preferably mounted inside cabin 312 of the combine 300. The graphical user interface 440 is preferably in electrical communication with the processing panel 450. Productivity mapping methods
    [00061] FIG. 19 illustrates a method designated, in general, by the reference numeral 1900 to generate a productivity map using the productivity measurement system 400. In step 1910, the productivity sensor unit 100 generates a productivity monitor signal, which Preferably, it is recorded and time stamped by the productivity monitor panel 450. In step 1915, the global positioning receiver 430 (or a speed sensor, such as an axis-mounted Hall effect sensor, as it is known in technique) preferably reports the harvest speed of the combine 300 to the productivity monitor panel 450, which preferably records and stamps the speed data. In step 1920, the productivity monitor panel 450 preferably calculates the site productivity, for example, by calculating the grain mass flow rate and deriving the site productivity from the grain mass flow rate using , for example, the speed of the combine 300 and the width of the head 315. In step 1930, the global positioning receiver 430 preferably reports the position data (for example, the global positioning coordinates) corresponding to the position of the combine 300 for the productivity monitor panel 450, which preferably records and time stamps the position data. In step 1940, humidity sensor 420 preferably reports the current grain moisture to the productivity monitor panel 450, which preferably calculates a corrected site productivity based on the grain moisture. In step 1945, the productivity monitor panel 420, preferably, associates registered positions with corrected location productivity, recorded in corresponding time. In step 1950, the productivity monitor panel 450 preferably reports the site productivity and the corresponding location for the graphical user interface 440 and the graphical user interface 440 generates a map including a graphical representation of the corrected site productivity in the location. Productivity monitor calibration methods
    [00062] FIG. 20 illustrates a process designated, in general, by the reference numeral 2000 to calibrate a productivity sensor with the grain height sensor 410. In step 2010, the 410 generates a signal related to the quantity of grains in bids 32, a signal that it is preferably registered by the productivity monitor panel 450. In other modalities, step 2010 is carried out using another sensor configured to measure the quantity of grains being processed by the combine 300. In step 2020, the productivity sensor unit 100 generates a productivity monitor signal related to the grain strength against a sensing surface, a signal that is preferably registered by the productivity monitor panel 450. In some modalities, step 2020 is performed using a productivity sensor unit , such as a productivity sensing unit 100. In other modalities, step 2020 is carried out using an impact sensing productivity paddle (for example, the impact type productivity 40, illustrated in FIG. 2). In step 2030, the productivity monitor panel 450 preferably applies a time shift to the productivity monitor signal or to the height of grain signal corresponding to the time between the measurements of the height sensor and the grain sensor unit. productivity. In step 2040, the productivity monitor panel 450 preferably compares a characteristic of the productivity sensor signal with the same characteristic of the grain height signal (for example, comparing the sum of the productivity sensor signal with the sum of the grain height sign over corresponding periods). In step 2050, the productivity monitor panel 450 preferably determines a correction factor based on the comparison (for example, by dividing the sum of the grain height signal by the sum of the productivity sensor signal over corresponding periods ). In step 2060, the productivity monitor panel 450 preferably applies the correction factor to the productivity sensor signal (for example, by multiplying the correction factor by the productivity sensor signal) and reports the corrected productivity for the 440 graphical user interface. Methods of measuring volumetric flow rate and test weight
    [00063] The productivity measurement systems disclosed herein are preferably configured to determine the volumetric grain flow rate through the clean grain elevator 30 based on the signal generated by the productivity sensor during harvesting operations.
    [00064] Returning to FIG. 23, a representative graph 2300 illustrates a signal 2310 generated by the productivity sensor while grain stacks 50 hit the surface of the sensor. A base voltage Vb represents the signal emitted when no grain contacts the sensor surface. An average signal value over time is represented by the average voltage Vave. A period Tp of the signal can be measured by measuring the time delay between the first crossings of the average voltage Vave. A pulse width Pw of the signal can be measured by measuring the time delay between the first and the second crossings of the measured voltage Vave. It should be appreciated in the light of the present exhibition that, as the grain stacks on each flight are compressed in a substantially distinct contiguous form against the productivity sensor, the 2310 signal includes distinct pulses having a measurable pulse width Pw. The pulse width Pw is related to the volumetric flow rate of the grain.
    [00065] Returning to FIG. 24, a 2400 process for determining the mass flow rate, the volumetric flow rate and the test weight is illustrated. In step 2405, a grain is compressed in a different way (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4B) by changing its direction along a surface (for example, the inner surface of the housing 20 and the sensor surface 122 ). In step 2410, step 2405 is repeated at distinct, spaced intervals. In step 2415, the strength of the grain on the surface is measured over a sampling period, resulting in a signal, such as signal 2310 in FIG. 23. In step 2417, the operating speed of the conveyor 30 is preferably determined by a separate sensor, such as an axis encoder, or by calculating it based on the signal period Tp, which is inversely related to the speed of the carrier. In step 2420, the forces of the grain are integrated or added during the sampling period by multiplying the sum of the voltage V by an empirical constant k1 relating the stress to the mass flow rate. In step 2425, the mass flow rate m of the grain is determined by dividing the sum of the grain forces during the sampling period by dividing the sum of the grain forces over the sampling period by the duration T of the sampling period, by example, using the interface:
    Where: k2 is an empirical shift
    [00066] In step 2427, the measurement of the mass flow rate obtained in step 2425 is preferably corrected by comparing the conveyor speed with a reference speed and applying a correction factor related to said comparison. In step 2430, the grain mass flow rate is preferably displayed on the graphical user interface 440. In step 2435, the pulse width Pw of the signal is preferably measured. In step 2440, the reverse volumetric flow rate is preferably calculated based on the pulse width Pw, using the following relationship:
    Where: k3 and k4 are empirical multiplier and displacement, respectively.
    [00067] In step 2445, a test weight of the grain is preferably determined by dividing the mass flow rate of the grain by the volumetric flow rate and performing any mathematical operations necessary to arrive at a standardized test weight. It should be appreciated that the standard weight (for example, corn) is the weight in pounds of a bushel (1,244 cubic feet) of harvest. In step 24 50. The test weight is preferably displayed to the operator on the monitor. Alternative productivity sensor modes
    [00068] FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative productivity sensor 2195. The productivity sensor 2195 includes a deformable sheet 2110 having a fixed end mounted in the housing 20 above the apex of the elevator 30 and a free end disposed downstream of the fixed end along the direction of travel of the grain. The deformable sheet 2110 is equipped with 2129 instrumentation (for example, voltage meters or pressure transducer) in electrical communication with a productivity monitor. Instrumentation 2120 is preferably mounted on an upper side of sheet 2110. In operation, successive layers of grains pass along the surface of deformable sheet 2110, so that the free end of the deformable sheet is deflected upwards by centrifugal forces transmitted to the grain by the elevator 30.
    [00069] FIG. 22 illustrates another alternative productivity sensor 2200, located in a preferred location above the apex of the elevator 30. Returning to FIG. 22B the productivity sensor 2200 includes a mounting clamp 2220 mounted on an upper side of the housing 20. The productivity sensor 2200 includes a sensor body 2210 that extends through an opening in the mounting clamp 2220 and through an aperture provided in the housing 12, so that a sensor face 2250 of the sensor body 2210 is at least partially aligned with an internal surface of the housing 20. The sensor surface 2250 preferably descends along the grain travel direction . The sensor surface 2250 is preferably arcuate. In some embodiments, the sensor surface 2250 has a curvature substantially equal to that of the internal surface of the housing 20 at a location adjacent to the sensor surface 130 (left along the view of FIG. 22B).
    [00070] Continuing the reference to FIG. 22B, sensor body 2210 includes an upper portion 2218 coupled to a stationary tower 116 by upper and lower displacement arms 2214, 2212. The lower displacement arm 2212 is preferably a thin sheet of metal (for example, having thickness between 0.01 inches and 0.02 inches) and is mounted on a first end on stationary tower 115 and mounted on a second upper portion 2218 of sensor body 110. The upper displacement arm 2214 is preferably more thicker than the lower displacement arm 2212. The upper and lower tension gauges 2230-1, 2230-2 are preferably mounted on the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of the upper displacement arm 2214. The tension gauges 2230 -1, 2230-2 are preferably in electrical communication with a graphical user interface, located in the combine cab. The stationary tower 116 is mounted on the mounting bracket 2220. In operation, sequential layers of grain pass through the sensor surface 2250, moving the sensor body 2210 upwards and imposing tension on the tension gauges 2230-1, 2230-2 , so that a signal generated by the tension meters is related to the upward translation of the sensor body.
    [00071] Returning to FIG. 22C, speed profiles 2272 of cross sections of grain stacks 50 vary between different zones 2270. In zone 2270-1, the speed of the grain is substantially uniform and the surface is vertical. In zone 2270-2, the magnitude of the grain velocity, as well as the relative magnitude of the vertical grain velocity component, increases with the distance from the conveyor 20. In zone 2270-3, the magnitude of the grain velocity still increases with the distance from the conveyor 20, but the grain within zone 2270-3 preferably has a velocity substantially parallel to the surface of the sensor. In zone 2270-4, the speed of the degree is inconsistent in magnitude and direction. The sensor surface 2250 of the productivity sensor 2200 is preferably arranged to contact grain in zone 2270-3. It should be appreciated that, in operation of the productivity sensor 100 disclosed here before, the grain contacts the sensor surface 122 in zone 2270-3, so that the speed of the grain immediately before contacting the sensor surface 122 is substantially parallel the sensor surface; the speed of the grain stacks 50 is preferably also substantially parallel to the sensor surface 122, while in a portion of the grain stack it is in contact with the sensor surface. In this way, the force imposed by the grain contacting the sensor surface on productivity sensor 100 and productivity sensor 2200 is preferably comprised, substantially of centrifugal force, instead of impact force.
    [00072] The foregoing description is presented to allow someone of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various changes in the preferred mode of the apparatus and the general principles and features of the system and methods described here will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Thus, the present invention should not be limited to the modalities of the apparatus, system and methods described above and illustrated in FIGS, of the drawing, but to be in accordance with the broader scope consistent with the spirit and the scope of the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (8)
    [0001]
    1. Sensor (100) for measuring production harvested by a harvesting machine (300) having a clean grain elevator (30) with elevator pitches (32) leading grain between a top sprocket (35-1) and a lower sprocket (35-2) disposed within an elevator housing (20), in which the elevator throws (32) throw the grain towards the sensor (100), the upper sprocket (35-1) and the lower gear (35-2) defining an elevator plane (Pv), the sensor (100) comprises: a sensor surface (122) arranged above the upper gear (35-1), characterized by the fact that: a said sensor surface (122) has a trailing surface and a guide surface, wherein the grain contacting said sensor surface (122) has a translucent velocity component substantially parallel to the sensor surface (122) immediately before contacting the sensor surface (122); and wherein the grain contacts said guide surface before contacting said trailing surface; wherein said sensor surface (122) remains in a first position when no grain force acts on said sensor surface (122); wherein when a grain force acts on said guide surface, said guide surface translates upward in a translational motion to a second position with respect to the clean grain elevator (30); wherein the trailing surface and said guide surface are equidistant from the upper sprocket (35-1) in said first position; and in which the trailing surface translates upward in a translational movement along a normal direction to the referred transition speed component in said second position.
    [0002]
    2. Sensor (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said trailing surface and said guide surface are located adjacent to the elevator plane (Pv).
    [0003]
    Sensor (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensor surface (122) is arranged inside a hole in the elevator housing (20) of the clean grain elevator (30).
    [0004]
    4. Sensor (100) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that it further includes: a sensor housing (100) resiliently supporting said sensor surface (122), wherein said sensor housing (110) it is disposed within said hole in said elevator housing (20).
    [0005]
    5. Sensor (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also includes a pre-sensor surface (112) adjacent to said sensor surface (122), in which a vertical displacement between said surface of pre-sensor (112) and said sensor surface (122) is less than ten hundredths of an inch (0.25 cm).
    [0006]
    6. Sensor (100) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that it also includes a post-sensor surface (132) adjacent to the sensor surface (122), said post-sensor surface (132) arranged to allow substantially continuous grain flow from said sensor surface (122) to said post-sensor surface (132).
    [0007]
    7. Sensor (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said translational movement above said sensor surface (122) is less than 10 hundredths of an inch (0.25 cm).
    [0008]
    8. Sensor (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: a displacement sensor (232) arranged to measure said translational movement upwards said sensor surface (122).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    US20140174199A1|2014-06-26|
    CA2844298C|2019-09-24|
    AU2012294255B2|2016-03-17|
    AU2020289729B2|2022-01-13|
    AU2020202952B2|2020-12-10|
    AR090390A1|2014-11-12|
    AU2018203614A1|2018-06-14|
    EP2742324A1|2014-06-18|
    US20200116539A1|2020-04-16|
    AU2020289729A1|2021-01-21|
    AU2016204086B2|2018-02-22|
    AU2012294255A1|2014-03-13|
    US20200264025A1|2020-08-20|
    US9506786B2|2016-11-29|
    AU2020202952A1|2020-05-21|
    AU2016204086A1|2016-07-07|
    US10527474B2|2020-01-07|
    WO2013023142A1|2013-02-14|
    US10677628B2|2020-06-09|
    US20170074700A1|2017-03-16|
    UA115654C2|2017-12-11|
    EP2742324A4|2015-04-22|
    BR112014003001A2|2017-03-01|
    EP2742324B1|2019-10-02|
    CA2844298A1|2013-02-14|
    ZA201401086B|2015-04-29|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-11| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-12-24| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-05-26| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-09-29| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 10/08/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201161522153P| true| 2011-08-10|2011-08-10|
    US61/522,153|2011-08-10|
    US201261644367P| true| 2012-05-08|2012-05-08|
    US61/644,367|2012-05-08|
    PCT/US2012/050341|WO2013023142A1|2011-08-10|2012-08-10|Yield monitoring apparatus, systems, and methods|
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