Corrected Hay Yield Calculation Using Moisture and Ash Content

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to accurately account for variations in moisture, ash, and protein content when determining the yield of hay, which affects its nutritional value and feeding capacity for animals.

Innovation Solution

A method involving cutting hay, determining its mass, moisture, and ash content, and calculating a corrected yield based on these factors, with optional protein content, and labeling the hay with an indicator of its corrected yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional yield determination methods are used, then the process is simple, but the measurement precision of hay yield is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyield determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The yield determination process is segmented into multiple independent measurement components: mass measurement, moisture content measurement, and ash content measurement. Each component is measured separately and then integrated through calculation to determine the corrected yield, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex measurement system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary measurements of moisture content and ash content before final yield calculation. These preliminary actions allow the system to account for variations in hay composition in advance, enabling more accurate corrected yield determination through subsequent calculation rather than direct measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If moisture and ash content variations are not accounted for, then the measurement process is simpler, but the reliability of yield assessment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyield assessment reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by measuring moisture content and ash content, then using these measurements to calculate corrections to the raw mass yield data. This feedback loop ensures that variations in compositional parameters are accounted for, improving the reliability of the final yield assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from simple mass to a corrected yield that accounts for moisture content and ash content variations. By adjusting for these compositional parameters, the system achieves more reliable yield assessments that reflect the actual feedable mass of the hay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If corrected yield calculation is implemented, then the nutritional value assessment improves, but the loss of time in processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenutritional value informationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements of moisture and ash content during the harvesting process rather than as separate post-harvest steps. This preliminary action allows nutritional value information to be captured and integrated into yield calculations in real-time, minimizing additional processing time while maximizing information retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4329469B1Method for determining a corrected yield of hay utilising an agricultural machine
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 AGCO CORP
  • EP4329469B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4329469B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4329469B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

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.