Agricultural Weighing Device Using Inclination Sensors for Load Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements with weighing devices require a large number of sensors and complex steps to accurately correct weight measurements for inclination and acceleration, leading to increased manufacturing costs and computational complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of only inclination sensors, functioning as both inclination and acceleration sensors, to determine correction factors, with data processed by an on-board computer to filter and evaluate measurement curves, simplifying the system and reducing sensor count, and employing a Bessel low-pass filter and arithmetic operations to correct weight measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (inclination sensors and accelerometers) are used to correct weight measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by making the inclination sensor perform dual functions: measuring both inclination angles and acceleration effects. The same sensor unit that measures inclination also detects acceleration components, eliminating the need for separate accelerometers and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of inclination sensors and accelerometers into a single integrated approach. By combining the measurement capabilities and processing methods of both sensor types into one system, the patent reduces the total number of sensors required while achieving accurate weight measurements that account for both inclination and acceleration effects
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and complex correction steps are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the inclination sensor to serve multiple purposes (measuring both inclination and acceleration), the patent reduces the total sensor count required, directly lowering component costs and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective inclination sensors that can be easily manufactured and replaced, avoiding the need for expensive accelerometers. This approach prioritizes economical sensor selection while achieving the required measurement precision through clever signal processing
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to determine correction factors, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to complex electronic circuits and computing work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same sensor unit for both inclination and acceleration measurements, which simplifies the electronic circuit architecture by reducing the number of sensor interfaces and signal processing paths, making the system easier to operate and maintain
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the data processing approaches for inclination and acceleration corrections into a unified computational framework, the patent reduces the complexity of electronic circuits and computing operations, making the system more manageable despite maintaining high measurement precision
4Productivity
If inclination sensors are used during acceleration, then measurement precision deteriorates due to acceleration effects, but productivity is improved by continuous measurement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring inclination sensor measurements and using this information to dynamically calculate and apply correction factors for acceleration effects. This allows the system to maintain accurate weight measurements even during acceleration by constantly adjusting for the measured inclination changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interpretation and processing parameters of inclination sensor data based on operational conditions. By adjusting how inclination measurements are processed and corrected depending on whether the device is accelerating or moving at constant speed, the system maintains measurement accuracy across varying operational states
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
This approach reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies electronic circuits while providing accurate weight measurements by differentiating between inclination and acceleration effects, allowing for efficient adjustment of operating parameters like fertilizer application rates and machine speed.
Implementation Method 1
This is preferably done using a Bessel low-pass filter
Implementation Method 2
only inclination sensors are used in order to make corrections to the measurement data recorded with the inclination sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The agricultural device has weight determination device that includes tilt sensors (15) which are connected to on-board computer (14), for determination of correction factor of load cell (7) to minimize the incorrect output by slanting of device. The determined correction factor is stored in memory, and is used by on-board computer for controlling the operation parameter of agricultural device.