Distributor Linkage Angle Sensing for Curved-Path Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements face challenges in accurately determining the angle of inclination of distributor linkages due to sensor vulnerability, complexity, and measurement errors, particularly when navigating curves or encountering vegetation, leading to incorrect positioning and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural implement equipped with a support part, multiple sensor arrangements, and an electronic data processing device to determine the angle of inclination using a combination of sensors with different measuring principles, including inclinometers and IMUs, and a sensor data fusion method to compensate for measurement inaccuracies, ensuring robust and precise angle determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged directly on the booms to capture rotational position and speed, then measurement capability is improved, but sensor vulnerability to damage and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier element as an intermediary between the boom and the sensor. The sensor is arranged on the carrier element rather than directly on the boom, which protects the sensor from damage while still enabling accurate measurement of the boom's rotational position and speed. The carrier element acts as a protective intermediary that maintains measurement capability while reducing vulnerability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors with different measuring principles are used to compensate for measurement errors, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors with different measuring principles (e.g., optical encoders and magnetic sensors) into a unified sensor system mounted on the carrier element. These sensors work together to capture rotational position and speed data, compensating for individual sensor errors through data fusion. The merging of multiple sensing approaches enables improved measurement accuracy while managing complexity through integrated mounting and coordinated operation.
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 precise and robust determination of the distributor linkage's angle of inclination, minimizing sensor damage and measurement errors, allowing for accurate positioning and efficient material distribution across large areas.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor arrangement (100a) for capturing an angle of rotation of the support part
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor arrangement (100b) for capturing a rotational speed and/or rotational acceleration of the support part
Implementation Method 3
a third sensor arrangement (101) for capturing a relative angle between the support part and the distributor linkage (12)
Implementation Method 4
an electronic data processing device (200) configured to determine an angle of inclination of the distributor linkage (12) with respect to a reference plane on the basis of sensor data from the first sensor arrangement (100a), the second sensor arrangement (100b) and the third sensor arrangement (101)
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement for distributing material comprising a support part, a distributor linkage arranged on the support part, the distributor linkage being at least partially rotatable about an axis pointing in the direction of travel of the agricultural implement, a first sensor arrangement for capturing an angle of rotation of the support part, a second sensor arrangement for capturing a rotational speed and/or rotational acceleration of the support part, a third sensor arrangement for capturing a relative angle between the support part and the distributor linkage, and an electronic data processing device configured to detect a relative angle between the support part and the distributor linkage, and an electronic data processing device configured to determine an inclination angle of the distributor linkage with respect to a reference plane on the basis of sensor data from the first sensor arrangement, the second sensor arrangement and the third sensor arrangement.