3D Sensor Filling Gauge for Agricultural Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicle operators face stress and inefficiency in monitoring the filling process of containers during harvesting, as existing systems either require significant operator attention or provide warnings only after critical conditions arise, rather than proactively indicating the residual filling potential.
Innovation Solution
A filling degree gauge using a 3D sensor and data control system to display residual filling potential in different levels, allowing operators to monitor the filling process through a visual display unit, with options for local area monitoring and color-coded indications to facilitate timely adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If video cameras and monitors are used to show container filling status, then operators can visually monitor the process, but operator stress increases due to the need for continuous attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual monitoring with an automated optical measurement system that uses light reflections to detect filling levels. The system automatically calculates residual filling potential and provides warnings without requiring continuous operator attention, thus reducing operator stress while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback by continuously measuring filling levels and providing real-time warnings when critical thresholds are approached. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for operators to constantly watch monitors, as the system autonomously monitors and alerts them only when necessary.
2Reliability
If warning systems are implemented, then operators are alerted to critical conditions, but warnings only occur after critical situations have already arisen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates and displays residual filling potential in advance, showing operators how much more material can be loaded before reaching critical levels. This preliminary information allows operators to take preventive action before critical situations arise, improving both reliability and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides more than just critical warnings by displaying graduated filling levels (e.g., 0-25%, 25-50%, 50-75%, 75-100%) and residual filling potential. This excessive information gives operators advance notice and better control, allowing them to respond proactively rather than reactively.
3Measurement precision
If 3D sensors and data control systems are used to measure filling levels, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical reflections to create a virtual model of the filling level without requiring complex physical sensors inside the container. By analyzing light patterns reflected from the container interior, the system achieves precise measurement while keeping the external measurement device relatively simple.
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 enables operators to monitor the filling process effectively, reducing stress by providing proactive warnings and clear visual representations of filling levels, ensuring efficient and safe transfer of goods without overfilling.
Implementation Method 1
a 3D sensor for observing at least a part of the target area including at least a part of the target
Data Source
AI summary
A filling degree gauge for measuring and displaying a residual filling potential of a target area, such as a container, being filled through a target, such as an open top, with goods by a goods carrier, such as a discharge spout, of an agricultural vehicle, such as a harvester, has a 3D sensor for observing at least a part of the target area including at least a part of the target, a data control system and a visual display unit. The data control system operates to provide on the visual display unit a visual display indicating residual filling potential by indicating the current one of at least three different levels of residual filling potential.