Magnetic Activity Counter Module for Agricultural Machinery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the activity of agricultural or industrial machines are prone to errors due to manual data entry and reliance on fragile sensors with short battery life, lacking robustness in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
An activity counter with an electronic module secured to the machine, featuring a central unit, memory, and a detector that records and transmits data representative of the machine's activity, using magnets for secure attachment and an accelerometer for movement detection, with radio communication for remote data transmission and battery management to ensure reliability and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual data entry methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to errors and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with an automated electronic system. The electronic module automatically records activity data from sensors (hubodometer or GPS) and transmits it remotely, eliminating human intervention in the data collection process and thereby improving measurement precision while reducing the complexity of manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic module is designed to autonomously perform measurement, recording, and data transmission functions. The system self-manages the entire activity monitoring process without requiring user intervention, thereby improving reliability and eliminating errors associated with manual data entry while reducing operational complexity.
2Device complexity
If fragile sensors with short battery life are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and duration of action deteriorate in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two main components: a robust electronic module containing the sensor and processing unit, and a separate base unit for power and communication. This segmentation allows the sensor to be protected within the modular electronics while maintaining connectivity to the power source, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic module is designed with protective measures against harsh environmental conditions before deployment. The sealed construction and protective casing prevent damage from dust, moisture, and physical impact, thereby ensuring reliable operation in agricultural and industrial environments without requiring complex protective systems.
3Device complexity
If visual reading of screen is required, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to soiling and manual entry errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual screen display with an automated data transmission system. The electronic module directly transmits activity data to a remote server or mobile device, eliminating the need for visual reading and manual transcription. This substitution improves measurement precision by removing the source of errors (screen soiling and manual entry) while reducing the complexity of the display interface.
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
Accurately records and transmits machine activity data over extended periods with reduced error, maintaining robustness and battery life, enabling efficient invoicing and usage tracking.
Implementation Method 1
The number of axle rotations is determined by detecting variations in a magnetic field generated by a magnet mounted on the axle; one cycle of growth and decay of this field corresponds to one rotation.
Implementation Method 2
The module also includes an accelerometer; the detection of movement by said accelerometer triggers the recording of data in the memory
Implementation Method 3
the electronic module has three magnets that magnetically couple with three mechanical elements fixed in the base
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an activity counter (1) comprising an electronic module (2) intended to be fixed on a moving mechanical device, said electronic module comprising a central unit (5) and a memory (6) recording at least one data representative of the activity of the device, characterized in that said electronic module is fixed to the device, and in that the counter comprises a detector (7; 4) providing a variable data representative of the activity of said device, the central unit (5) recording in the memory the variable data in association with a time information provided by a clock (10) integrated in the module.