Two Disc Manure Spreader Torque Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fertilizer spreader systems face challenges in accurately measuring idling torque due to changes in drive train resistance, leading to incorrect metering, especially at low temperatures, requiring frequent no-load torque measurements that disrupt spreading work.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating temperature sensors in the drive train to measure and store temperature data associated with idling torque, allowing for correction of idling torque measurements and potentially warming the drive to maintain optimal operating conditions above 25°C, thereby eliminating the need for frequent interruptions during spreading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If frequent no-load torque measurements are performed to maintain measurement precision, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to work interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidling torque measurement precisionVSAvoidspreading work efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs no-load torque measurements preliminarily at the beginning of spreading work or when temperature changes are detected, storing these measurements for later correction. This allows the system to have correction data ready before it would be needed, avoiding interruptions during actual spreading operations. The control unit corrects load torque measurements using these pre-acquired no-load measurements and temperature data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical approach of physically stopping the spreader and closing metering slides for no-load measurements with a computational approach. The system uses temperature sensors to monitor drive train temperature and applies correction algorithms to torque measurements, substituting physical interruption with mathematical correction based on temperature-compensated models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If no-load torque measurements are performed with metering slides closed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex操作步骤

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidling torque measurement accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs no-load torque measurements automatically without operator intervention. The control unit monitors temperature sensor data and automatically determines when no-load measurements are needed, executes them without requiring the operator to close metering slides or stop the spreader, and applies corrections automatically. This makes the system self-sufficient and eliminates complex manual操作步骤.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If temperature compensation is implemented to account for drive train resistance changes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque measurement precision under varying conditionsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors temperature as a key parameter that affects drive train resistance and uses this parameter to correct torque measurements. By tracking temperature changes and applying correction factors based on temperature-compensated models, the system accounts for variations in oil viscosity and friction resistance without adding complex hardware. The control unit adjusts measurements based on temperature data from sensors placed in the drive train.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enhances the precision of mass flow control by minimizing disruptions and ensuring accurate fertilizer distribution without interrupting the spreading process, particularly in winter conditions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one temperature sensor is arranged in the drive train, the temperature or temperatures of the drive trains being measured with each idling measurement and assigned to this idling torque and stored

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

the idling torque changes during spreading work and this leads to an incorrect measurement of the total torque... due to changes in the resistance in the drive train (oil viscosity, ball bearing friction resistance, changes in internal stress, etc.)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction heating: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2559331B1Two disc manure spreader
Publication Date: 2015.03.11 RAUCH LANDMASCHINENFABRIK GMBH

AI summary

The spreader has a drive train for driving the distributor plates, and a unit for adjusting the working widths, spreading materials and distribution modes. An adjustable dosing structure of distributor plate is controlled by a control unit, using the current vehicle speed, the target scattering amount per unit area and the working width. A sensor receives the idle torque at closed metering gates and unloaded distribution disc, and determines the total torque under load of distribution disc with the desired mass flow. A temperature sensor is arranged in drive train. USE : Two-disc fertilizer spreader. ADVANTAGE : The precise detection of the idle torque is increased, without scattering work or interrupting work. Since the total torque per distribution plate is measured, and the temperature sensor is arranged in each distributor plate, the oil temperature of the transmission, the temperature of the gearbox and/or the temperature of a drive component can be measured, and the temperature behavior in view of the drive torque measurement can be provided. The heating of the transmission and/or the transmission oil can be performed so that the correct operating condition is reached faster.