Radar Sensor Distribution Parameter Measurement for Centrifugal Spreaders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for determining distribution parameters of centrifugal spreaders face contamination issues with optical sensors due to dusty materials and sensitivity to extraneous light, and mechanical sensors interfere with the distribution process.
Innovation Solution
The use of radar sensors with wavelengths between 2 mm and 15 mm that emit beams intersecting the trajectory of material particles at angles between 5° and 70°, allowing for non-contact measurement and resistance to contamination, with on-board computers providing setting parameters for dosing and distribution elements based on determined distribution parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to monitor centrifugal spreader operation, then measurement capability is provided, but sensor contamination occurs due to dusty materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensors with radar sensors to measure distribution parameters. Radar sensors use electromagnetic waves in the microwave range (2mm to 15mm wavelength) that can penetrate dust and are not affected by contamination, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the reliability issues associated with optical sensor contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from optical detection to radar wave detection. By using radar waves with wavelengths between 2mm and 15mm, the system achieves measurement capability that is insensitive to dust contamination, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and sensor reliability in dusty environments.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used for measurement, then distribution parameters can be determined, but sensitivity to extraneous light reduces measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical sensors with radar sensors that operate in the microwave frequency range. This replacement eliminates sensitivity to extraneous light while maintaining the ability to determine distribution parameters, as radar waves are not affected by visible light interference.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical sensors are used to measure distribution, then contact-based measurement is achieved, but particle deflection negatively influences distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical contact-based sensors with non-contact radar sensors. The radar system measures distribution parameters by emitting electromagnetic waves that reflect off particles without physically contacting them, thereby eliminating particle deflection while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary between the sensor and particles. The radar waves serve as a mediator that carries measurement information without direct physical interaction, avoiding the harmful effect of particle deflection that occurs with mechanical contact sensors.
4Ease of operation
If radar sensors are used for non-contact measurement, then particle interference is avoided, but sensor arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar measurement system into multiple sensor units arranged around the centrifugal spreader. Each radar sensor covers a specific angular sector, and the combined data from segmented sensors provides complete distribution coverage. This segmentation approach manages device complexity by modularizing the sensor arrangement while maintaining non-contact measurement capabilities.
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
Radar sensors effectively determine distribution characteristics without influencing the material particles and are resistant to pollution, enabling precise adjustment of the spreader settings for optimal distribution, while avoiding interference and contamination issues.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting and/or receiving units (13) have a number of transmitting and/or receiving elements (14). The transmitting elements (14) assigned to the respective transmitting unit (13) are arranged at least approximately in a circle around the centrifugal disk (6) outside the orbits of the throwing blades (7, 8) arranged on the centrifugal disk (6). The transmitting elements (14) are designed as radar sensors (14) emitting radar beams
Implementation Method 2
Radar beams penetrate many materials and are sometimes reflected. A small layer of fertilizer or dirt, which would already have a massive impact on an optical sensor, is hardly seen or perceived by a radar sensor.
Implementation Method 3
They provide a signal that is proportional to the distance, size, and reflectance of the observed object, and a frequency that is proportional to the object's speed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device has transceiving units (13,14) for emitting electromagnetic waves on material particles distributed in wide spreading on bottom surface of throwing vanes (7). The transceiving units receive reflected waves from material particles. The transceiving units have on-board computer and radar beam radar sensor. An evaluation unit evaluates received reflected electromagnetic waves from material particles, located in the air waves and determines distribution parameter such as direction of flight, flight speed, spray rate and/or distribution accuracy of discharged material particles.