Silo Grain Level Sensor System with Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is difficult to quickly and accurately determine the level of grain in a silo, with existing methods being unreliable and costly, necessitating a remote monitoring system that can notify users via wireless communications.
Innovation Solution
A computer system connected to grain detection sensors that generates alerts via a modem and communications network when grain levels drop below a threshold, allowing users to respond with commands through a wireless device, using a sensor system with a light source and sensor configured to monitor grain levels and send alerts when covered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used to determine grain levels, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the reliability and accuracy of grain level detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated optical sensing system. Light sources and light sensors are positioned to detect grain levels automatically, eliminating the need for manual scaling and visual inspection. This substitution of mechanical human operation with optical detection devices resolves the contradiction by providing reliable automated detection without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to automatically detect and report grain levels without requiring human intervention for the actual measurement. The system self-monitors by continuously checking light transmission through the grain and automatically generates notifications when thresholds are reached, enabling the system to serve itself in the detection function while maintaining simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If automated monitoring systems are implemented, then grain level detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into discrete, simple components: multiple light sources positioned at different heights, corresponding light sensors, and a control system that processes individual sensor signals. Each component is simple in design, but together they provide precise measurement at multiple grain level thresholds. This segmentation allows accurate measurement without requiring a single complex sensing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-based sensing system serves multiple functions: it detects grain levels at different heights, provides automated notification capabilities, and can trigger refilling operations. The same basic optical components (light sources and sensors) are used throughout the system to perform all detection functions, eliminating the need for different types of sensors for different measurement tasks and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If remote notification systems are added to alert users of grain levels, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic feedback loops where light sensors continuously monitor grain levels and feed this information to the control system. When grain levels reach predetermined thresholds, the system automatically generates notifications to the user and can trigger refilling operations. This feedback mechanism provides ease of operation by eliminating the need for manual checking while using simple electronic control logic rather than complex communication infrastructure.
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
Provides a low-cost, reliable method for farmers to manage grain levels, enabling automated notifications and refill requests, improving grain level monitoring accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The light sensor may be configured to receive and monitor light from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for remotely managing content levels in one or more defined areas includes a computer system communicatively connected to one or more resident sensor units and controllers linked to devices such as content loading drive mechanisms and/or supply reordering modules. When a sensor reports that a content level is or will be lower or higher than desired, the computer system generates an alert and forwards the alert across a wireless communications network to a user's mobile device. The user may select a user command to send to the computer system, whereupon the computer system may selectively regulate the content levels in accordance with the response action or alternatively override the user command based upon one or more contextual determinations.