Side Mowing Sensor Data Hub for Real-Time Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side mowing implements lack effective monitoring and tracking systems, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage to vegetation during mowing operations.
Innovation Solution
A side mowing system equipped with sensors and a data hub that communicates operational data to an external device, enabling real-time monitoring and tracking of mowing parameters, such as mowing blade operation, mower position, and towing load, to improve mowing efficiency and prevent vegetation damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If side mowing implements are operated without continuous monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sensors that continuously monitor mowing operations and feed this data back to operators or control systems. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring of blade operation, ground contact status, and mowing quality, allowing for immediate adjustments that improve productivity without requiring complex manual monitoring procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and adjustment mechanisms with automated sensor-based detection and electronic monitoring systems. Sensors detect blade position, ground contact forces, and mowing parameters, substituting mechanical observation methods with electronic sensing that provides continuous data without adding significant operational complexity
2Device complexity
If mowing implements operate without continuous monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors to vegetation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors provide continuous feedback on blade-to-ground contact status, allowing the system to detect when the blade is dragging or not cutting properly. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to prevent vegetation damage by ensuring the blade is correctly positioned and engaged, reducing harmful effects on crops and terrain
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system enables the mowing implement to self-diagnose its operational status through sensors that detect blade position, ground contact forces, and cutting efficiency. This self-service capability allows the system to automatically identify and alert operators to conditions that could cause vegetation damage without requiring external monitoring equipment
3Measurement precision
If sensors and data hub are added to the mowing system, then measurement precision and operational tracking improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors and a data hub that serve multiple functions simultaneously: detecting blade position, measuring ground contact forces, monitoring cutting depth, and tracking operational status. This multi-functionality approach achieves comprehensive measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single sensor system performs multiple monitoring tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms physical mowing parameters (blade position, ground contact force, cutting depth) into measurable electrical signals through sensors. This parameter transformation enables precise tracking of mowing operations by converting mechanical states into detectable electrical signals that can be processed and recorded by the data hub with high accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
A side mowing system includes a side mower structured for towing by a work vehicle (10) and configured to mow a section of ground laterally offset from the work vehicle (10) as it traverses the ground. The side mower includes a mowing deck (44) having a mowing mechanism coupled to the mowing deck (44) useful for cutting vegetation. A mower-to-vehicle coupler (42) is also provided and is configured for coupling the side mower (34) to the work vehicle (10) and structured to carry a towing load imparted to the side mower (34) as a result of being towed behind the work vehicle (10). At least one side mowing sensor (36) is configured to generate at least one side mower signal (50) related to at least one side mower parameter. A data hub (40) is in data communication with the at least one side mowing sensor (36), the data hub (40) structured to transmit usage data associated with the at least one side mower parameter.