Grain Elevator Tension Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grain elevator systems face challenges in accurately sensing the weight of grain during transportation, which affects yield monitoring and grain handling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of tension sensors, such as force sensing pins and strain gauges, integrated with RFID technology to measure and differentiate tensions in the driving members of the grain elevator, allowing for precise weight determination of the grain being transported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tension sensors are integrated into the driving members of the grain elevator, then measurement precision of grain weight is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the driving members of the grain elevator. The driving members serve both their primary function of transporting grain and the secondary function of housing tension sensors for weight measurement. This integration reduces the need for separate measurement systems and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving members are designed to perform multiple functions: they transport grain upward through the elevator, provide structural support, and serve as mounting structures for tension sensors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated measurement components, thereby reducing device complexity while improving measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If tension sensors are mounted on the elevator to sense grain weight, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tension sensors are pre-integrated into the driving members during the manufacturing process. The driving members are produced with built-in sensor mounting capabilities or with sensors already installed, allowing for streamlined assembly. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate assembly steps required for installing measurement components.
3Measurement precision
If RFID technology is used with tension sensors to differentiate tensions in driving members, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tension measurement systems with RFID-based sensing technology. Instead of using multiple mechanical sensors requiring complex calibration and differentiation, the RFID system provides direct electronic measurement of tension forces in each driving member, simplifying the measurement process while improving precision.
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 solution enables accurate and efficient monitoring of grain weight, improving yield tracking and optimizing grain handling processes by providing real-time tension data for precise weight calculations.
Implementation Method 1
The grain elevator includes a tension sensor spaced apart from the drive motor and communicatively coupled to the weight determiner. The tension sensor includes a force sensing pin having a longitudinal axis and a strain gauge wrapped around an exterior surface of the force sensing pin.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus to sense the weight of grain in a grain elevator are disclosed. A disclosed example grain elevator includes a grain transport member to transport grain, a driving member to move the grain transport member, a first tension sensor to sense a first tension in the driving member, and a weight determiner to estimate a weight of the grain based on the first tension.