Parallel Telemetry Grain Cart Scale for Precision Yield Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grain cart scale systems for capturing harvest weight data often interfere with existing OEM equipment, risking disruptions to operating procedures and lacking the advanced features and frequency of data collection needed for precise yield mapping.
Innovation Solution
A real-time telemetry weighing device that operates in parallel with existing grain cart scale heads, using a switching device to measure differential voltage outputs from load cells without interfering with the existing scale device, allowing for more frequent and accurate weight data collection and integration with cloud-based farm management systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an all-in-one farm management system replaces the OEM scale device, then advanced features and functionality are obtained, but the risk of impacting OEM operating procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the telemetry scale device with the existing OEM scale device, allowing both systems to operate simultaneously. The telemetry device captures weight data from the same load cells that the OEM scale uses, enabling data collection for farm management systems without replacing or disrupting the OEM operating procedures. This merging approach allows advanced features while maintaining reliability of existing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The telemetry scale device acts as an intermediary that interfaces with the existing load cells and OEM scale system. It captures weight data through the same measurement infrastructure without becoming part of the critical OEM operating path. This intermediary role allows data collection for advanced features while isolating the OEM system from potential disruptions.
2Productivity
If the telemetry scale device operates in parallel with the existing scale device, then data collection frequency increases, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telemetry scale device is designed to interface with standard load cells and voltage regulation circuits that are already present in OEM systems. By using universal interfaces and components, the device can operate in parallel without requiring complex custom integration, thus increasing data collection frequency while minimizing added system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a voltage regulator to provide stable excitation voltage to the load cells, and the telemetry device measures voltage differential outputs. By carefully controlling electrical parameters and using standard measurement techniques, the system achieves high-frequency data collection without introducing complex control mechanisms or signal processing requirements.
3Device complexity
If the existing scale device is used alone, then system simplicity is maintained, but data collection frequency and accuracy for yield mapping are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or legacy data collection methods with an electronic telemetry system that continuously monitors voltage differential outputs from load cells. This substitution enables high-frequency digital data collection and real-time transmission, significantly improving measurement precision for yield mapping while maintaining relative system simplicity through electronic rather than mechanical enhancement.
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 accurate and frequent weight data collection without disrupting existing OEM equipment, providing enhanced features and functionality for precision agriculture, including real-time data transmission and load ticket generation, while maintaining all original equipment and procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Load cells convert the force applied from loading weight on the spring elements to a small differential voltage, which is proportional to an excitation voltage applied to the stain gauges
Implementation Method 2
the telemetry scale device being arranged to measure the differential voltage output by the existing load cells and determine the weight of the agricultural product
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for use with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) scale associated with a grain cart. The apparatus includes a real-time telemetry weight device operatively connected with the OEM scale. The apparatus is configured to allow for a parallel mode of operation which provides for simultaneous operation of the real-time telemetry weight device and the OEM scale without interference while using a same set of load cells.