Force Measuring Bolt for Bale Weight Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvest machines with changing tables for weighing harvest bales suffer from limited accuracy and complexity in weight determination, with sensors being sensitive and requiring additional protection, which adds weight and effort.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves integrating a force measuring bolt as the tilting axis of the changing table, coupled with a tilting angle compensation device that includes an inclination sensor to determine the changing table's tilt relative to horizontal, thereby compensating for inclinations and ensuring accurate weight measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a weighing device with sensors is installed on the wrapping table to measure bale weight, then weight measurement capability is achieved, but the sensors become sensitive to tilting movements and require additional protection components that increase device complexity and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex protected sensor systems with a simple force-measuring bolt that directly forms the tilting axis. The mechanical tilting bearing itself becomes the measurement element, eliminating the need for separate protected sensors and their covering components. This substitutes a fragile electronic sensing system with a robust mechanical measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-measuring bolt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the tilting axis for the wrapping table, provides the measurement signal for bale weight, and eliminates the need for separate protection mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Reliability
If covers and protection components are added to protect weight sensors from harsh agricultural conditions, then sensor reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for protective covers by replacing electronic sensors with a mechanical force-measuring bolt. The bolt's inherent mechanical strength provides natural protection against harsh agricultural conditions without requiring additional protective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-measuring bolt serves itself by being both the structural tilting axis and the measurement element. Its mechanical design inherently withstands harsh conditions without requiring external protection systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wrapping table is designed to tilt for downhill or uphill travel, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but weight measurement accuracy deteriorates due to tilt influence on sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces tilt-sensitive electronic sensors with a mechanical force-measuring bolt that directly measures the gravitational force component. The mechanical system naturally accounts for tilt angles through the physics of force measurement, eliminating the need for separate tilt compensation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-measuring bolt acts as an intermediary that translates the complex interaction between bale weight and table tilt into a direct measurement signal. It mediates between the gravitational force and the measurement system, providing accurate readings regardless of table orientation.
4Measurement precision
If complex weighing devices with multiple components are used to ensure accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and retrofitting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex weighing devices with a simple force-measuring bolt that integrates into the existing tilting mechanism. This mechanical substitution dramatically simplifies manufacturing and installation while maintaining measurement accuracy through the inherent physics of force measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tilting function and weight measurement function into a single integrated component - the force-measuring bolt that serves as both the tilting axis and the measurement element. This consolidation eliminates multiple separate components and simplifies the overall system.
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 enables precise and accurate measurement of bale weight without significant mechanical intervention, using simple and protected sensors, and allows for easy retrofitting to existing machines, improving operational efficiency and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the weighing device comprises a force-measuring bolt that forms the tilting axis of the changing table
Implementation Method 2
an inclination sensor for determining the tilt of the changing table relative to the horizontal
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural harvesting machine with a wrapping table for a bale of harvested crop, wherein the wrapping table is mounted to be tiltable about a tilting axis and a weighing device for weighing the bale of harvested crop on the wrapping table is provided, wherein the weighing device comprises a force measuring bolt which forms the tilting axis of the wrapping table and/or is integrated therein, as well as a tilt angle compensation device which has an inclination sensor for determining the tilt of the wrapping table relative to the horizontal and is configured to correct a measurement signal of the force measuring bolt by the tilt of the wrapping table determined by the inclination sensor, and/or to tilt the wrapping table into a defined measuring position relative to the horizontal for receiving the measurement signal of the force measuring bolt.