Agricultural Spreader Calibration Using Feed Weight Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibration of agricultural spreading machines is time-consuming and does not account for changes in material properties during the spreading process, leading to delays and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
The use of a force sensor to determine weight force during calibration, allowing for pre- and intermediate calibrations to adjust application rate parameters based on material properties, and incorporating material discharge and airflow management to ensure accurate metering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used (calculating seeding rate, performing calibration tests), then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but the calibration process becomes time-consuming and causes delays in the spreading process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical calibration methods (manual calculation of seeding rates, physical calibration tests) with a force sensor-based measurement system. The force sensor directly measures the weight force of the feed supply, providing automated, real-time calibration data without requiring time-consuming manual calculations or test runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system performs self-calibration by automatically measuring weight force changes through the force sensor and comparing them with target values. The control unit autonomously determines whether adjustment is needed and initiates recalibration without operator intervention, eliminating the time loss associated with manual calibration procedures.
2Ease of operation
If calibration is performed only once before the spreading process, then the initial setup is simplified, but changes in material properties during the spreading process are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors weight force changes during the spreading process and provides feedback to the control unit. When material property changes are detected (through deviations from target weight force changes), the system automatically triggers recalibration to adapt to the new material conditions, maintaining accuracy throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system transitions from a static, one-time calibration approach to a dynamic, continuous calibration process. The force sensor enables real-time detection of material property changes, and the control unit dynamically adjusts metering parameters throughout the spreading operation to maintain optimal performance despite material variations.
3Reliability
If material is discharged from the material feed device during pre-calibration, then the calibration reflects actual operating conditions, but the calibration accuracy is reduced due to simultaneous material discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pre-calibration in two stages: first, a preliminary calibration is conducted without material discharge to establish accurate baseline metering parameters, and then subsequent calibrations are performed with material discharge to verify and adjust these parameters under actual operating conditions. This sequential approach ensures both accuracy and realism.
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
Simplifies calibration, reduces delays, and ensures precise application rates by continuously adapting to material changes, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of spreading processes.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor of the agricultural spreading machine, which determines a weight force which at least partially also includes a weight force emanating from a feed supply in the material feed device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an agricultural spreading machine, comprising the steps of: calibrating the agricultural spreading machine, wherein an electronic control device (32) adapts metering parameters for the spreading material (M) that influence the application rate and are dependent on the driving speed during the calibration of the agricultural spreading machine to the material properties of the spreading material (M), and distributing spreading material (M) to several application units (34, 34a-34d) by means of a material distribution system (10) of the agricultural spreading machine, wherein a material feed device (20) of the material distribution system (10) receives pre-metered spreading material (M) from a feed meter (16) in compliance with the adapted driving speed-dependent metering parameters and temporarily stores it as a feed supply (FS).to generate several conveying air flows (F) loaded with the discharge material (M) based on the feed supply (EV) and an airflow introduced into the material feed device (20).