Baler Mass Flow Sensing via Force Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop balers lack an effective method to accurately determine crop mass during the baling process, leading to inefficiencies in monitoring crop yield and bale formation.
Innovation Solution
A crop sensing system is introduced, comprising sensors that generate signals corresponding to forces applied on various components of the baler, a control unit to calculate crop mass data, and a display device to represent the mass data, enabling real-time monitoring and accurate mass determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no sensor arrangement is installed, then the baler structure remains simple, but crop mass cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with electronic sensors and control units. Sensors generate electrical signals corresponding to forces on baler components, which are then processed electronically to determine crop mass, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure crop mass by detecting forces on baler components. Rather than directly measuring crop mass, the sensors detect related physical quantities (forces) and the control unit calculates crop mass from these signals, using the sensors as mediators between the crop and the measurement system.
2Productivity
If real-time crop mass monitoring is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor forces on baler components and generate signals that are processed by the control unit in real-time. The display device provides immediate feedback on crop mass, enabling operators to make real-time adjustments to optimize bale formation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically calculates crop mass from sensor signals without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors and self-report crop mass data through the display device, eliminating the need for manual measurement and reducing operational 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
The system provides precise and real-time crop mass data, enhancing the efficiency of bale formation, monitoring crop yield, and improving operational decisions in agricultural settings.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor generating a signal, the signal corresponding to a crop load on the at least one of the compression system or the feed system
Data Source
AI summary
A crop sensing system for a baler includes a compression system for forming a bale and a feed system for picking up crop from a surface and conveying the crop to the compression system. The crop sensing system includes a sensor arrangement having at least one sensor being coupled to at least one of the compression system or the feed system, wherein the at least one sensor generates a signal corresponding to a crop load on the at least one of the compression system or the feed system. The crop sensing system includes a control unit configured to receive the signal from the sensor arrangement and calculate crop mass data based on at least the signal.