Centrifugal Spreader Control System Radar Capacitive Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for centrifugal spreaders face challenges in precisely determining distributor characteristics, especially at small application quantities, due to low signal levels from radar sensors, which affects the accuracy of fertilizer distribution.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates additional parameters such as metering slide position and drive torque to quantify the material application, combining these with non-contact sensor signals to improve distribution characteristic determination, and accounts for fertilizer properties like roughness and density to adjust control parameters effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar sensors are used to determine distribution characteristics, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates at small application quantities due to low signal levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar sensor signals with capacitive sensor signals to determine distribution characteristics. The capacitive sensors provide reliable quantity measurement even at small application rates where radar signals become weak, while radar sensors continue to provide distribution pattern information. This merging of multiple sensing approaches resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision across all application quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that processes and combines signals from both radar and capacitive sensors. It evaluates the application quantity from capacitive sensors and uses this information to supplement or weight the radar-based distribution characteristic determination, ensuring reliable measurements regardless of signal strength.
2Measurement precision
If only radar sensors are used for control, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient signal at low quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is segmented into two specialized components: radar sensors for distribution pattern detection and capacitive sensors for application quantity measurement. Each sensor type is optimized for its specific function, and the control system integrates both measurements to achieve comprehensive and precise control of the spreading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to process multiple types of sensor inputs (radar and capacitive) and unify them into a single control decision. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain precision across varying application rates while managing complexity through integrated signal processing.
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
This approach enhances the precision of fertilizer distribution by accurately determining application quantities and adjusting control parameters, even at low application rates, ensuring consistent and efficient spreading.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of radar sensors are located concentrically about the center of one or both of the slingers on the slinger control. These record the distribution of the fertilizer grains immediately after leaving the centrifugal disc.
Implementation Method 2
a centrifugal spreader for spreading agricultural material, in particular fertilizer, on a surface below, having at least one centrifugal disk for distributing the material
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system for a centrifugal spreader (1) for applying agricultural material and a corresponding method are provided, wherein the centrifugal spreader has at least one sensor (7), preferably a radar sensor, for non-contact characterization of at least one first parameter of the distribution characteristic, such preferably the direction of throw and/or throw distance and/or working width, of the centrifugal spreader, wherein the control system is configured to adapt control parameters relating to the distribution, such preferably the position of a fertilizer feed system onto the centrifugal disc, the rotational speed of the centrifugal disc and/or the quantity of material supplied, in response to the measurement signals of the at least one sensor, and wherein an improved control system and a method are provided which enables a more precise determination of the distribution characteristic, particularly at low application rates.When determining the control parameters, the control system additionally takes into account at least a second parameter that is suitable for quantifying the amount of material currently applied to the at least one centrifugal disc.