Payload Weight Determination Using Power Lift Link Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the weight of a payload in agricultural utility vehicles require extensive sensory equipment and complex calculations, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method using a power lift with upper and lower links, determining the weight based on easily measurable physical variables such as the angle between the upper link and the vehicle horizontal, holding force, and support force, utilizing standard sensors like pressure and force-measuring devices to calculate the payload weight with minimal equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods for determining payload weight are used, then measurement precision is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to extensive sensory equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement variables needed for payload weight determination from the complex sensor systems of prior art. By focusing solely on holding force F0 and angle α (which can be obtained from minimal sensors), the solution eliminates unnecessary sensory equipment while maintaining measurement precision through targeted measurement of critical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple sensors to directly measure payload weight components, the patent inverts the approach by measuring easily obtainable variables (holding force and angle) and calculating the weight through mathematical relationships. This inversion simplifies the sensory requirements from extensive direct measurement to minimal indirect measurement with calculation.
2Measurement precision
If extensive sensory equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive sensors (pressure sensors, angle sensors, acceleration sensors) that are readily available as standard products rather than expensive specialized equipment. This substitution of costly measurement devices with affordable standard sensors significantly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate measurement precision for practical applications.
3Measurement precision
If complex calculation rules are applied, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the essential calculation relationships from complex prior art methods, focusing only on the critical variables (holding force F0 and angle α) that directly determine payload weight. By eliminating unnecessary calculation steps and intermediate variables, the solution maintains measurement precision while significantly improving calculation efficiency and productivity.
4Device complexity
If minimal sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct payload weight components to derived variables (holding force F0 and angle α) that are easier to measure with minimal sensors. By selecting parameters that can be obtained from simple sensors but still contain sufficient information for accurate weight determination through calculation, the solution reduces device complexity without sacrificing measurement precision.
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 determination of payload weight with a reduced number of sensors and lower costs, leveraging existing vehicle sensors where possible, and simplifying the calculation process.
Implementation Method 1
The force acting on the connection between the upper link and the payload and acting along the upper link can be determined, for example, by means of pressure sensors in a hydraulic upper link
Implementation Method 2
In the case of a mechanical top link, this force can be determined, for example, using a biaxial force sensor (load pin)
Implementation Method 3
an angle α between the upper link and a vehicle horizontal
Implementation Method 4
Dynamics (in particular acceleration and/or inclination) of the support structure of the commercial vehicle
Implementation Method 5
Dynamics (in particular acceleration and/or inclination) of the support structure of the commercial vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the weight force (Fa,x, Fa,y) of a payload (26) carried by a load-bearing structure of an agricultural vehicle via a power lift, wherein the power lift has at least one top link (28) and at least one lower link. The weight force (Fa,x, Fa,y) is determined as a function of at least one of the following quantities: - an angle (α) between the top link (28) and a vehicle horizontal (22), and - a holding force (FO) acting at a connection (50) between the top link (28) and the payload (26) and acting along the top link (28).