Bale Weight Measurement Using Lift Gate Force and Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring bale weight in agricultural balers are often expensive and inaccurate due to the inclusion of the baler's weight in the measurement, leading to significant errors in determining the weight of the baled material.
Innovation Solution
A bale weighing system that utilizes a lift gate to hold the bale, with sensors detecting the lift gate's position and the force required to support it, generating the bale weight based on these measurements, and providing a control signal for accurate weight determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wheel or spindle load measurement device is used to measure bale weight, then the measurement system is implemented, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates because the baler's weight is included in the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into two separate measurements: one for the baler weight (taken when the bale holder is empty) and one for the combined baler plus bale weight (taken when the bale holder contains a bale). The bale weight is then calculated by subtracting the first measurement from the second, effectively isolating the bale weight from the baler weight and achieving accurate measurement.
2Measurement precision
If load sensors are located in the tailgate section to measure bale weight, then the weight measurement is obtained, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to the inclusion of baler weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary measurement of the baler weight (including the weight of the bale holder and any other components) before the baling operation. This preliminary value is stored and then used during the actual measurement by subtracting it from the total weight measurement, thereby eliminating the need to physically separate the baler weight from the bale weight measurement and simplifying the manufacturing implementation.
3Device complexity
If the baler weight is included in the measurement, then the measurement system is simpler to implement, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the weight measurement and comparing it against the pre-stored baler weight value. The control system automatically calculates the difference and provides the accurate bale weight to the operator, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for the inclusion of baler weight without requiring complex physical modifications to the measurement apparatus.
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 provides a more accurate and cost-effective method for measuring bale weight, reducing errors associated with the baler's weight and improving operational efficiency in regulating the baling process and ensuring transport vehicle load limits are not exceeded.
Implementation Method 1
a force detector detects a force that is used in order to support the gate in the detected position
Implementation Method 2
A gate position sensor senses the position of the lift gate
Implementation Method 3
Bale weight generation logic then generates a bale weight based on the sensed lift gate position and the detected force
Data Source
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AI summary
A bale holder is actuated to hold a bale in a lift gate (104) of a baler (100). Lift gate actuators (191) are then actuated to lift the gate (104), while it is holding the bale. A gate position sensor (172) senses the position of the lift gate (104), and a force detector (174) detects a force that is used in order to support the gate in the detected position. Bale weight generation logic (180) then generates a bale weight based on the sensed lift gate position and the detected force. A control signal is generated based on the bale weight.