Agricultural Vehicle Load Cell Arrangement for Weight Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural mixing trailers face challenges in weighing loads without external means, leading to instability and increased costs due to the use of large, expensive load cells, which affect the distribution of forces and stress within the container, especially in high-capacity machines.

Innovation Solution

The use of at least two pairs of load cells on each axle, arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically on opposite sides of the vertical plane, allows for a more even distribution of forces and reduced load cell size, enhancing stability and compactness while supporting heavier loads without an intermediate chassis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If large-dimension load cells are used to support heavy loads, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the vertical space requirement increases and the price increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidvertical space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single load cell into multiple smaller load cells (at least two pairs, with each pair consisting of two load cells situated on opposite sides of a vertical plane containing the axis of the axle). This segmentation allows the system to support heavy loads through distributed force across multiple smaller units, eliminating the need for large-dimension single load cells and reducing vertical space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If large-dimension load cells are used to support heavy loads, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the price increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidprice

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the container rests directly on the axle via load cells without an intermediate chassis, then the device complexity is reduced, but the distribution of forces and stresses at the container level is unfavorable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechassis structureVSAvoiddistribution of forces and stresses

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs symmetric arrangement of load cells in pairs on opposite sides of the vertical plane containing the axle axis. This symmetric configuration ensures balanced force distribution across the container, preventing uneven stress concentration while maintaining the simplicity of direct mounting without intermediate chassis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Length of stationary object

If the bottom of the container is displaced upward at some distance from the wheels, then the load cell size is reduced, but the stability of the mixers in the loaded state is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload cell vertical spaceVSAvoidstability in loaded state

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges load cells in pairs on opposite sides of the vertical plane containing the axle axis, utilizing the lateral dimension for force distribution. This dimensional arrangement allows the use of smaller load cells while maintaining proper force distribution and container stability, avoiding the need to displace the container bottom upward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration reduces the size and cost of load cells, improves stability by lowering the center of gravity, and allows for easier navigation through restricted spaces, while maintaining accurate weighing without parasitic loads.

Implementation Method 1

load cells or weighing sensors... The container rests by way of fixation plates or brackets (9, 11) and load cells or weighing sensors (4, 4')

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS10458837B2Agricultural vehicle with load cells directly between upper and lower fixation plates

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 KUHN AUDUREAU

AI summary

An agricultural vehicle including a container, which is mounted on at least one train of wheels, wherein the container rests by way of fixation brackets and load cells or weight sensors, preferably directly, i.e. without use of an intermediate chassis, on one axle or more forming the train of wheels. The vehicle container is mounted on the axle or each of the axles of the train under consideration by way of at least two pairs of load cells, wherein each pair consists of two load cells situated on opposite sides of a vertical plane parallel to the vertical planes containing the axes of the axles of a multi-axle train.