Shielding Device for Radar Sensor Backscattering in Agricultural Spreaders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural centrifugal spreaders experience erroneous measurement signals due to backscattering of radar waves from one slingshot into the measuring range of another, affecting the accuracy of spreading fan characterization.
Innovation Solution
A shielding device is positioned between the radar sensor and the second diffusing screen or throwing vanes to block direct lines of sight, preventing unwanted backscattering of radar waves, and can be made of materials that absorb or reflect radar waves, arranged in the plane of symmetry or non-parallel to it for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple radar sensors are arranged to cover the entire scattering area, then measurement coverage is improved, but erroneous measurement signals increase due to backscattering from adjacent diffusing screens
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding device is introduced as an intermediary element between the radar sensor and the adjacent second diffusing screen. This shielding device blocks the direct line of sight from the radar sensor to the adjacent diffusing screen, preventing backscattering of radar waves while allowing the sensor to continue measuring the scattering fan of its assigned diffusing screen. The shielding device effectively mediates between the need for comprehensive sensor coverage and the need to eliminate erroneous measurement signals.
2Reliability
If the shielding device blocks all lines of sight to the second diffusing screen, then backscattering is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component (shielding device) that can be independently designed and positioned. This allows the shielding function to be implemented without fundamentally redesigning the entire sensor or diffusing screen system. The shielding device is a discrete element that can be added to the existing centrifugal spreader configuration, minimizing overall system complexity while effectively preventing backscattering.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shielding device is made of material that absorbs radar waves, then backscattering is reduced, but the material selection and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution involves changing the electromagnetic parameters (radar wave absorption/reflection characteristics) of the shielding device material. By selecting materials with appropriate electromagnetic properties that absorb or reflect radar waves, the backscattering from the adjacent diffusing screen is significantly reduced. This parameter change approach allows the use of specialized materials designed for electromagnetic wave interaction, effectively solving the backscattering problem while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established material selection criteria.
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
The shielding device effectively prevents erroneous measurement signals by blocking all possible lines of sight between radar sensors and adjacent diffusing screens or throwing vanes, ensuring accurate characterization of the spreading fan and distribution characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the shielding device is made of material that absorbs radar waves
Implementation Method 2
the shielding device is made of material that reflects radar waves
Data Source
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AI summary
Shielding device for an agricultural spreader (1), wherein at least one radar sensor (6) for determining the distribution characteristics of the spreader (1) is arranged on the spreader (1), the radar sensor (6) being assigned to a first spreading disc (3.1) of the spreader (1). In order to provide a spreader in which erroneous measurement signals are prevented, the shielding device is arranged at least partially in the line of sight between the radar sensor and a second spreading disc (3.2) of the spreader (1) and/or its spreading vanes (4).