Mower Swathboard Sensor for Real-Time Hay Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining hay quality parameters, such as RFV, protein content, fiber content, TDN, ADF, and NDF, are typically done after baling, which results in a reduction in quality during the drying process, making it desirable to assess these parameters in real-time during cutting to optimize drying and baling practices.
Innovation Solution
A mower equipped with a sensor system mounted on the swathboard that collects nutrient information using near-infrared (NIR) or non-contact spectral solutions, allowing for real-time measurement of hay quality parameters as the plant material is cut, with the sensor's orientation adjustable to optimize signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If quality parameters are determined after baling, then testing can be performed on baled material using NIR testing, but quality parameters reduce during the drying process making it impossible to assess real-time quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing quality assessment at the cutting stage rather than after baling. The sensor system measures quality parameters of plant material immediately as it is cut and deposited in windrows, before the drying process begins. This timing allows producers to know the quality status early and adjust drying and baling practices accordingly to maintain favorable quality parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sampling and laboratory testing system with an optical sensor system mounted on the mower. Instead of physically collecting samples after baling and analyzing them in a lab, the system uses sensors (such as NIR sensors) to non-contactly measure quality parameters in real-time during the cutting operation.
2Productivity
If sensors are mounted on the swathboard, then real-time nutrient information can be collected during cutting, but the sensor orientation must be adjusted to optimize signal quality from the crop stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor orientation adjustable rather than fixed. The sensor system includes mechanisms that allow the sensor face to be positioned at different angles and orientations relative to the crop stream. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimization of the sensor's viewing angle to capture the best signal from the moving plant material while maintaining real-time assessment productivity.
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 real-time assessment of hay quality parameters during cutting, allowing for optimized drying and baling practices to maintain favorable hay quality, thereby improving revenue potential for hay producers.
Implementation Method 1
In an NIR testing system, light having wavelengths between 780 nm and 2500 nm is emitted by the instrument and then reflected by the plant material before being received back into the instrument
Data Source
AI summary
A mower is configured to cut plant material as the mower moves over a field and deposits the cut plant material on the field. The mower includes a header assembly having a cutter bed, conditioning rollers, and a swathboard, the swathboard being positionable to shape a rearwardly-directed stream of cut plant material into windrows. The header assembly includes a sensor system mounted on the swathboard. The sensor system has a sensor configured to collect nutrient information of the plant material being cut by the mower, where the sensor is moveable relative to the swathboard so as to move the orientation of a sensor face with respect to the crop stream.