Agricultural Spreader Measuring System Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural spreader measuring systems lack reliable verification methods for measured values, leading to incorrect or inaccurate spreading patterns due to sensor defects or contamination, which are not detected by operators, causing unsuitable spreading material distribution.

Innovation Solution

A method that records and compares angle-dependent quantity and speed distributions of the spreading material to verify the accuracy of measuring system values, using an evaluation device to determine throwing angles and issue warnings or adjust regulations if deviations exceed tolerance ranges, thereby identifying and correcting faulty sensor operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a measuring system is used to record angle-dependent distribution of spreading material, then the discharge angle can be determined, but faulty or inaccurate measurements may occur due to sensor defects or contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the measuring system's output and compares it against expected values. When deviations are detected, the system generates feedback signals to alert the operator and adjust operations, creating a closed-loop verification system that maintains measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring system performs self-verification by internally comparing its own measurements against physical laws and expected parameters. The control unit automatically checks whether recorded angle-dependent distributions produce physically plausible discharge angles, enabling the system to detect its own faults without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If no verification method is implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but faulty measurements lead to incorrect spreading patterns without operator awareness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidspreading pattern reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls the spreading machine's operation, processes measuring system data, verifies measurement accuracy, and alerts the operator of faults. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent adds verification capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors measuring system output, compares it against expected values, and provides real-time verification. This feedback loop ensures that faulty measurements are detected and communicated to the operator without requiring additional complex verification hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If sensor contamination occurs, then the measuring system's reliability decreases, but the operator remains unaware of the contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor operation reliabilityVSAvoidoperator awareness of fault
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the measuring system's output and compares it against physically expected values. When sensor contamination causes measurements to deviate from expected ranges, the system generates feedback signals that alert the operator to the contamination issue, ensuring operator awareness without requiring direct visual inspection of sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring system performs self-diagnostics by automatically detecting when its output becomes physically implausible. The control unit verifies whether recorded angle-dependent distributions produce valid discharge angles according to physical laws, enabling the system to self-identify contamination issues and communicate them to the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3811753B1Method for checking the operation of a measuring system of an agricultural spreader
Publication Date: 2022.05.25 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3811753B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3811753B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3811753B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for checking the operation of a measuring system (10) of an agricultural spreading machine, by means of which a current discharge angle during the application of spreading material (S) can be determined, comprising the steps of: recording an angle-dependent quantity distribution (22) of the spreading material (S) after its discharge from a spreading disc (20) of the agricultural spreading machine by means of the measuring system (10) of the agricultural spreading machine, recording an angle-dependent velocity distribution (24) of the spreading material (S) after its discharge from the spreading disc (20) of the agricultural spreading machine by means of the measuring system (10) of the agricultural spreading machine, and performing a verification of the measured values ​​of the measuring system (10) on the basis of the recorded angle-dependent quantity distribution (22) of the spreading material (S) and the recorded angle-dependent velocity distribution (24) of the spreading material (S).