Multi-Function Optical Sensor for Crop and Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesting machines require multiple measuring devices for examining crop and operating fluid properties, leading to increased costs and space requirements, particularly due to the need for separate NIR sensors for each fluid type.
Innovation Solution
A single measuring device with an adjustable component and optical detection system capable of switching between detecting light reflected from crop and operating liquid flows, using broadband or white light and an NIR sensor, reduces the number of devices needed by serving both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate measuring devices with NIR sensors are used for crop and operating fluid, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single measuring device that can measure both crop properties and operating fluid properties using the same optical detection system. The adjustable component allows the device to switch between detecting crop material and operating fluid, eliminating the need for separate measuring devices while maintaining measurement capabilities for both materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of separate measuring devices into a single integrated device. By combining the optical detection system, light source, and adjustable component into one unified measuring device, the patent reduces device complexity and manufacturing costs while preserving the ability to measure both crop and operating fluid properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measuring devices are installed, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measuring device that can adapt to measure different material types (crop and operating fluid) using the same hardware platform. This multi-functional approach maintains comprehensive measurement capability while significantly reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce and install multiple separate devices.
3Measurement precision
If separate measuring devices are used for crop and operating fluid, then measurement specificity is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single device, reducing the total space required in the harvesting machine. Instead of allocating separate spaces for crop measurement and operating fluid measurement devices, the integrated design occupies a single compact space while maintaining the ability to perform both measurement functions with appropriate specificity.
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 solution optimizes the operation of agricultural harvesting machines by efficiently recording properties of both crops and operating fluids, thereby reducing production costs and improving maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detection device (4) designed to detect light reflected from the conveyed material flow (3)
Implementation Method 2
A signal-connected evaluation device with a radiation detector analyzes the spectrum of the detected light in order to derive properties of the crop
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural harvesting machine (1) with a measuring device (2) for investigating a material flow (3) conveyed by the harvesting machine (1) and a corresponding measuring device (2). The present invention is based on the general idea that a measuring device (2) can be used to detect light (5, 6) reflected from a conveyed harvested material flow (3, 7) as well as to detect light (5, 8) reflected from a conveyed operating fluid flow (3, 9).