Portable Weighing Scale for Field Crop Bales
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for weighing baled crops in the field require cumbersome equipment and significant manpower, involving large flat scales and tractor lift systems, which are inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A portable weighing scale with a support frame, powered lift, and weight measurement system that can be towed to the bale, lifting it off the ground for accurate weight measurement, allowing for efficient weighing by a single operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large flat scales and tractor lift systems are used to weigh bales, then weighing capability is achieved, but equipment complexity and manpower requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing system is segmented into a portable scale unit that can be towed independently, separating the weighing function from the large fixed scale infrastructure. This allows the weighing capability to be deployed without requiring the entire complex system of large flat scales and tractor lifts.
Solution Approach 2:
A portable intermediate weighing platform serves as a mediator between the bale and the measurement system. This platform can be positioned at the bale location and provides a simplified interface for weight measurement without requiring the complex infrastructure of traditional large-scale weighing systems.
2Measurement precision
If large flat scales and tractor lift systems are used to weigh bales, then weighing capability is achieved, but manpower requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The portable weighing system is designed to be self-sufficient and easily deployable by minimal personnel. The platform can be positioned and the bale weighed with significantly reduced manpower compared to operating large fixed scales requiring multiple workers for positioning, lifting, and measurement.
3Device complexity
If portable weighing scale is used, then equipment complexity and manpower are reduced, but portability and transportability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing platform incorporates movable wheels or casters that allow it to be dynamically repositioned across the field. This dynamic mobility feature enables the simple portable scale to adapt to different bale locations without requiring complex fixed infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable weighing platform is designed as a universal device that can weigh various types of bales at any location in the field. Its multi-functional design combines weighing capability with portability, allowing it to replace multiple specialized fixed installations.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable weighing scale for weighing a bale of crop includes a support frame configured to be transported on ground. A powered lift is operatively coupled to the support frame and configured to lift the bale of crop off the ground. A weight measurement system is operatively coupled to the support frame and configured to measure the weight or mass of the bale of crop when the bale of crop is lifted off the ground by the power lift.