Ceramic Crop Sensor Layout for Abrasion-Resistant Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements in self-propelled harvesting machines face issues such as increased calibration effort due to tolerances in protective coating application, abrasion from crop contact, and moisture absorption leading to measurement uncertainties, while requiring a more space-efficient and flexible design.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement with a ceramic-containing plate as a carrier, featuring sensor elements and evaluation circuit on the same surface facing away from crop contact, eliminating the need for protective coatings and allowing direct mounting, thus reducing installation space and enhancing sensitivity and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dielectric protective coating is applied to protect sensor elements from abrasive crop action, then the sensor elements are protected from wear, but the distance between sensor elements and crop increases leading to reduced sensitivity and increased calibration effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the carrier from conventional materials to ceramic material, which provides both the required mechanical strength and wear resistance inherently, eliminating the need for additional protective coatings that would increase distance and reduce sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a ceramic-containing composite plate as the carrier, combining the advantages of ceramic materials (wear resistance, electrical properties) with a structured plate design that integrates sensor elements and evaluation circuit, achieving both protection and sensitivity without compromising either
2Reliability
If a dielectric protective coating with ceramic filler is used, then protection from moisture absorption is improved, but measurement uncertainties increase and calibration effort is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition to ceramic-containing plate material that inherently resists moisture absorption without requiring dielectric protective coatings, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while providing moisture resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the dielectric protective coating layer entirely by using a ceramic-containing plate material that provides both mechanical protection and electrical stability, eliminating the source of measurement uncertainty and calibration issues
3Reliability
If sensor elements are arranged on a plate-shaped support with protective coating, then protection from crop abrasion is achieved, but the overall height increases reducing flexibility and deployment options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the carrier structure, sensor elements, evaluation circuit, and protective function into a single integrated ceramic-containing plate assembly, eliminating the need for separate protective coating layers and reducing overall height
Solution Approach 2:
The ceramic-containing composite plate provides inherent protective properties against crop abrasion while maintaining a compact structure, eliminating the need for additional protective layers that would increase overall height
4Reliability
If a multi-layered structure with protective coating is used, then protection from crop effects is improved, but device complexity and calibration effort are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (carrier, sensor mounting, evaluation circuit, protective barrier) into a single ceramic-containing plate structure, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining protection from crop effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex multi-layered protective coating structure by using a ceramic-containing plate material that provides protection inherently, simplifying the overall device structure
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 solution provides improved abrasion resistance, reduced installation space, and increased sensitivity for detecting crop parameters, enabling flexible installation in previously inaccessible areas of the harvesting machine.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor element generates signals as a result of physical contact of the carrier with the crop
Implementation Method 2
its outstanding electrical properties up to high frequency ranges, which enables permittivity evaluation even in these frequency ranges
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement (21) for detecting at least one good property of a crop picked up by and passing through a self-propelled harvesting machine, comprising at least one sensor element (44) arranged on a plate-shaped carrier (45), and an evaluation circuit (46) for evaluating signals generated by the at least one sensor element (44) due to physical contact of the carrier (45) with the crop, wherein the carrier (45) is designed as a ceramic-containing plate with a contact surface (47) which is in contact with the crop and a sensor surface (48) facing away from the contact surface (47), wherein the at least one sensor element (44) and the evaluation circuit (46) are arranged on the sensor surface (48) of the carrier (45) facing away from the crop.