Agricultural Harvester NIR Sensor Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesting machines face challenges with the durability and positioning of near-infrared spectroscopy measuring devices due to exposure to vibrations and accelerations, as well as theft risks, in existing designs.
Innovation Solution
The measuring device is designed with the evaluation unit decoupled from mechanical stress and connected to the detection unit via a light guide, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure placement, such as in the driver's cab, while the detection unit is mounted on a crop-guiding component, minimizing wear and theft risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the evaluation unit is mounted on the outer wall of the transfer device in close proximity to the crop flow, then the installation space is utilized and the detection unit can be positioned, but the sensors are exposed to strong vibrations and accelerations during operation, limiting their durability
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is divided into two separate units: a detection unit that remains mounted on the transfer device near the crop flow, and an evaluation unit that is relocated to a position decoupled from mechanical stress. This segmentation allows each unit to be positioned optimally for its function while protecting the sensitive sensors from vibrations and accelerations during operation
Solution Approach 2:
A light guide serves as an intermediary element connecting the detection unit and the evaluation unit. It transmits the optical signal from the detection unit to the evaluation unit, enabling the evaluation unit to be positioned away from the crop flow while maintaining functional connection. This mediator allows the sensitive sensors to be protected from mechanical stress while still receiving the measurement signal
2Measurement precision
If the detection unit is positioned close to the crop flow for optimal measurement, then the measurement quality is improved, but the components are exposed to wear from crop contact and can protrude into the crop flow causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is segmented into a detection unit and an evaluation unit positioned at different locations. The detection unit can be optimally positioned near the crop flow for high measurement quality, while the evaluation unit is placed in a location free from crop contact and mechanical stress, eliminating wear and interference issues
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary that allows the evaluation unit to be positioned away from the crop flow while maintaining connection to the detection unit. This enables the detection unit to operate close to the crop for optimal measurement without exposing vulnerable components to wear and interference
3Ease of operation
If the measuring device is installed on the transfer device with easy access for maintenance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to theft due to easy dismantling and high value
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is segmented into a detection unit that remains mounted on the transfer device (maintaining ease of maintenance access) and an evaluation unit that can be relocated to a secure position such as the driver's cab or a protected compartment. This segmentation allows the valuable evaluation unit to be protected from theft while the detection unit remains accessible for routine maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide serves as a flexible intermediary connection that allows the evaluation unit to be positioned in a secure location away from the transfer device while maintaining functional connection to the detection unit. This enables theft protection through secure mounting while preserving measurement functionality
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 design enhances the durability and positioning of the measuring device, reducing mechanical stress on components and making it more secure against theft, while maintaining accurate crop property analysis through the light guide's interference-free signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
connected to the detection unit via at least one light guide
Implementation Method 2
measuring device based on near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy
Implementation Method 3
detects light reflected from the crop (which is irradiated with a light source)
Data Source
AI summary
The harvester e.g. self-propelled field chopper (1), has a measuring device for analysis of crops (13). The measuring device includes an optical detecting unit (12), which detects a light reflected by the crops. An evaluation unit (20) evaluates a spectrum of the detected light for deriving properties e.g. protein contents, of the crops from the evaluated spectrum. The evaluation unit is arranged at a position, which is uncoupled from mechanical stress by the crops and/or enforced accelerations. The evaluation unit is connected with the detecting unit by an optical fiber (40).