Agricultural Baler Weight Measurement Slope Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural balers equipped with load cells fail to provide accurate bale weight measurements when operating on inclines due to deflection of load cells, leading to underestimation of bale weight, and existing solutions like inclinometers increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the actual bale weight by determining the empty baler tare weight, full baler weight, and slope angle, using these values to adjust for the weight of wrapping material and preservatives, without requiring additional hardware like inclinometers, by using the baler's existing load cells and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If load cells are used to measure bale weight on inclines, then weight measurement is provided, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to slope-induced deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter being measured from direct weight to the ratio of empty baler weights (which equals cosine of slope angle). By measuring the empty baler weight on level ground (Wt) and on slope (We), the system calculates COS A = We/Wt, then uses this cosine value to correct the raw bale weight measurement to obtain accurate bale weight regardless of slope.
2Measurement precision
If an inclinometer is added to measure slope angle, then slope compensation becomes possible, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The baler itself serves as the measurement instrument. The load cells, already present for weight measurement, are used to measure the empty baler weight on slope. The baler's own weight and structure become the reference for determining slope angle through the cosine calculation, eliminating the need for separate inclinometer hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cells perform dual functions: measuring the empty baler weight to determine slope (via cosine calculation) and measuring the full baler weight for bale weight determination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated slope measurement devices while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If tare weight is not adjusted for wrapping material consumption, then initial setup is simpler, but bale weight accuracy deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the empty baler weight before each bale and compares it to the initial tare weight. When the difference exceeds a threshold indicating significant wrapping material consumption, the system automatically updates the tare weight. This feedback mechanism maintains accuracy without requiring manual intervention or complex predictive algorithms.
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
Enables accurate bale weight determination on uneven terrain without additional hardware, accounting for slope and material usage, ensuring compatibility with existing agricultural equipment and techniques.
Implementation Method 1
the load cells that are typically mounted in the hitch and/or axles, deflect in proportion to the normal force which is perpendicular to the axle
Implementation Method 2
When the baler is resting on a horizontal plane, the 'normal force' and the 'force of gravity' are both perpendicular to the axis of the load cell. In this case, the load cells provide an accurate measurement of the bale weight. However, when the baler is paced on a hillside, the 'normal force' and the 'force of gravity' are not aligned
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for determining the weight of an agricultural bale that compensates for un-level terrain such as hillsides. The method uses an empty baler tare weight and a full baler weight to determine a raw bale weight. The cosine of the slope upon which the baler sits is then calculated based upon the empty baler weight as it sits and the empty baler tare weight. The cosine of the angle of slope and raw bale weight are the used to determine an actual bale weight. Further steps are provided for compensating in the tare weight of the baler for the weight of wrapping material consumed in the formation of each bale.