Movable Radar Mount for Silage Density Measurement in Compaction Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar-based systems for determining silage density in compaction vehicles are limited in their adaptability and precision, particularly in protecting the radar sensor during transport and ensuring optimal positioning for accurate density measurement during compaction.
Innovation Solution
A utility vehicle equipped with a radar sensor mounted on a movable support device, allowing adjustable positions and controlled by an actuator, which can switch between transport and working modes, and adjust to environmental data for precise density determination, with features like levitation and mechanical protection to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the radar sensor is mounted in a fixed position on the utility vehicle, then the structure is simple, but the sensor cannot be protected during transport and cannot be optimally positioned for density measurement during compaction
Solution Approach 1:
The radar sensor is mounted on a support device that can be moved between a transport position (raised) and a working position (lowered). This dynamic positioning allows the sensor to be protected during transport while being optimally positioned for density measurement during compaction operations, resolving the contradiction between sensor protection/accuracy and structural simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the radar sensor is positioned close to the crop material, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor is more exposed to damage during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The support device enables dynamic repositioning of the radar sensor between a lowered working position (for precise measurement close to the crop) and a raised transport position (for protection during transport). This resolves the contradiction by allowing the sensor to be close to the crop only when needed for measurement, while being elevated and protected during transport phases.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the radar sensor is elevated during transport, then protection from dirt and damage is improved, but the distance to crop material increases reducing measurement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The support device allows the radar sensor to be elevated to a raised transport position for protection from dirt and damage during transport, while being lowerable to a working position close to the crop material for accurate density measurement. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing the sensor position for the specific operational phase (transport vs. measurement).
4Adaptability or versatility
If the support device is made movable with multiple positions, then adaptability to different operating modes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with movable mounting that allows transition between raised and lowered positions, providing adaptability to different operating modes (transport and compaction work). This dynamic structure resolves the contradiction by enabling the sensor system to adapt to varying operational requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
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
Enables precise and protected radar-based density measurement during compaction, adapting to varying conditions and surface profiles for accurate density determination and compaction control.
Implementation Method 1
the radar sensor transmits radar signals towards the crop material and receives radar signals reflected from the crop material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5~7B
AI summary
The invention relates to a commercial vehicle (16) for compacting stored crops (12) by driving over a surface (14) of the crops (12). The commercial vehicle (16) is equipped with a radar sensor (34) for determining the density (Di_e) of the stored crops (12). The radar sensor (34) transmits radar signals (36) towards the crops (12) and receives radar signals (38) reflected from the crops (12). The radar sensor (34) is arranged on a carrier device (42) which is movably mounted on the commercial vehicle (16) and is adjustable between a transport position (pos_tr) and a working position (pos_ar) lowered relative to the transport position.