Hay Yield Labeling Using Moisture and Ash Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to accurately account for variations in moisture, ash, and protein content of hay, which affect its value for animal feed, leading to inefficiencies in determining the quantity needed to support a given number of animals.
Innovation Solution
A method involving cutting hay, determining its mass, moisture, and ash content, calculating a corrected yield based on these factors, and labeling the hay with an indicator of its corrected yield, using sensors and data processing to adjust operating parameters for optimal harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional harvesting methods are used, then harvesting speed and productivity are maintained, but measurement precision of hay quality attributes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of moisture content, ash content, and mass during the harvesting process itself, before the hay is fully processed and baled. This allows quality attributes to be determined in advance, enabling real-time corrected yield calculations without delaying productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical sampling and laboratory analysis methods with electronic sensors and data processing systems. Moisture sensors, ash content sensors, and mass measurement devices automatically collect and process data, substituting manual mechanical processes with automated electronic measurement systems that provide continuous, precise readings without slowing harvest operations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple quality attributes are measured, then measurement precision of hay value is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple measurement functions (moisture detection, ash content analysis, mass measurement) into a single integrated harvesting system. The sensors and data processing units are combined with the harvest machinery, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple quality attributes through a unified device rather than separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvesting system is designed with multi-functional sensors and measurement devices that can detect multiple quality attributes (moisture, ash content, mass) using the same basic platform. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple measurement functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive quality assessment.
3Loss of information
If real-time yield calculation is implemented, then information accuracy about hay quantity is improved, but loss of time in processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous measurements and calculations of corrected yield throughout the harvesting process. Data from moisture sensors, ash content sensors, and mass measurements are continuously processed to generate real-time corrected yield information, eliminating discontinuous batch processing and providing uninterrupted information flow that maintains accuracy without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where measurement data from sensors is immediately processed and used to calculate corrected yield, which is then fed back to guide harvesting operations. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures information accuracy is maintained while processing time is minimized through automated real-time computation rather than delayed analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes cutting hay in an agricultural field, determining a mass of the hay, determining a moisture content of the hay, determining an ash content of the hay, calculating a corrected yield of the hay, and labeling the hay with an indicator of the corrected yield of the hay. The corrected yield is based on the mass, the moisture content, and the ash content of the hay.