Filtering Sensor Signal Interference from Powered Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural vehicle header systems experience significant sensor signal interference due to powered components like rotating reels, leading to inaccurate control outputs.

Innovation Solution

Implement an electronic control unit that filters sensor signals using frequency-, amplitude-, or distance-based methods to remove interference from powered components, such as rotating reels, by calculating and adjusting for their motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If sensors are used to provide feedback for automated header control, then automation capability is improved, but sensor signal accuracy deteriorates due to interference from powered components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated header controlVSAvoidsensor signal accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system (controller with filtering algorithms) that mediates between the noisy sensor signals and the automated control system. The controller receives raw sensor data, applies filtering algorithms to remove interference from powered components, and provides cleaned signals to the automated control functions, enabling both automation and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring sensor signals and using the filtered output to adjust header component operation. The controller compares actual sensor readings with expected values, identifies interference patterns from powered components, and adjusts control outputs accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accuracy despite noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If powered components are added to the header for enhanced functionality, then operational capability is improved, but sensor interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheader operational capabilityVSAvoidsensor interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic interference from powered components into a beneficial identification marker. By detecting characteristic interference patterns generated by specific powered components (reel, auger, conveyor), the system identifies their operational states and uses this information to adjust sensor interpretation, turning the interference itself into useful diagnostic data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes processing parameters based on the operational state of powered components. When powered components are active, the controller adjusts filtering parameters, sampling rates, and threshold values to account for the increased interference levels, maintaining sensor accuracy across varying operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances the accuracy of sensor data processing, allowing for precise control of header operations, including lighting and height adjustments, by effectively filtering out noise from powered components.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to detect electromagnetic waves indicative of a parameter associated with the header

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3991540B1Systems and methods for filtering sensor signal interference deriving from powered components of a header
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 CNH IND BELGIUM NV
  • EP3991540B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3991540B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3991540B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In one aspect, a system for filtering signal interference from sensors signals includes a header comprising a frame and a powered component supported relative to the frame, and a sensor configured to detect electromagnetic waves indicative of a parameter associated with the header. In addition, the system includes an electronic control unit operably connected to the sensor such that the electronic control unit is configured to receive signals from the sensor associated with the detection of the electromagnetic waves. The electronic control unit is further configured to filter interference from the signals deriving from motion of the powered component relative to the sensor.