Radar-Transparent Reel Components for Agricultural Headers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of radar sensors in agricultural vehicle headers is hindered by the need for complex mounting structures and stability/accuracy issues due to the requirement for direct line-of-sight and avoidance of interference with header components.
Innovation Solution
A reel with radar-transparent components for agricultural vehicle headers, where components such as tines, support members, and radial support members are made from radar-transparent materials, allowing radio waves to pass through without significant absorption or reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If radar sensors are mounted on header components, then automated control systems can be implemented, but the components must be made radar-transparent which complicates material selection and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of header components (tine support members, radial support members, central support members) from traditional metal materials to radar-transparent materials such as plastics or composites. This parameter change allows radio waves to pass through the components without significant absorption or reflection, enabling radar sensors to function properly while mounted on the header.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials that combine radar transparency with the necessary mechanical strength and durability required for header components. These composite materials allow the structural integrity needed for harvesting operations while maintaining the radar-transparent property necessary for sensor operation.
2Measurement precision
If radar sensors are positioned to have direct line-of-sight to detected surfaces, then measurement accuracy is improved, but complex mounting structures are required to achieve proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radar sensor mounting with the existing header structure by making the header components themselves radar-transparent. Instead of requiring separate mounting structures to achieve line-of-sight, the sensor is integrated into the header assembly, and the radar-transparent components allow direct transmission of radio waves to the detected surface (e.g., crop or ground).
Solution Approach 2:
The radar-transparent header components act as intermediaries that allow radio waves to pass through from the sensor to the detected surface. These components mediate between the sensor and the external environment, enabling the sensor to be positioned within the header structure while maintaining direct line-of-sight capability.
3Strength
If traditional metal components are used in the header, then structural strength is maintained, but radar waves are absorbed or reflected preventing sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials that combine the radar-transparent property with the necessary mechanical strength. These composites replace traditional metal components while maintaining the structural integrity required for header operation during harvesting, eliminating the trade-off between strength and radar transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameter of the header components from metal to radar-transparent materials such as plastics or composites. This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction with radar waves, allowing transmission instead of absorption or reflection, while the material is selected to maintain adequate mechanical properties.
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 enables more stable and accurate operation of radar sensors by allowing direct transmission and reception of radio waves through header components, reducing the complexity of mounting structures and improving sensor stability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The reel includes a plurality of tine bar assemblies supported relative to a rotational axis of the reel. Each tine bar assembly includes a tine support member and a plurality of tines coupled to the tine support member. The reel also includes a central support member extending along the rotational axis, and at least one radial support member coupled to the tine support member of each tine bar assembly and being configured to support the plurality of tine bar assemblies relative to the central support member. Moreover, the tine support member of each tine bar assembly is formed from one or more radar-transparent materials.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect, a reel for a header configured for use with an agricultural vehicle includes a plurality of tines and a plurality of tine-supporting components configured to support the plurality of tines relative to a rotational axis of the reel. The plurality of tine-supporting components include a central support member extending along the rotational axis, and a plurality of tine support members spaced apart radially from the central support member, with each tine support member being coupled to a subset of the plurality of tines. The plurality of tine-supporting components also include at least one radial support member coupled to the plurality of tine support members and being configured to support the plurality of tine support members relative to the central support member. Moreover, at least one of the plurality of tine-supporting components is formed from one or more radar-transparent materials.