Swathboard Sensor Positioning for Real-Time Hay Quality Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining hay quality parameters, such as RFV, protein content, fiber content, TDN, ADF, and NDF, are typically done after baling, which results in a reduction in quality during the drying process, making it desirable to assess these parameters at the time of cutting to optimize drying and baling practices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mower with a sensor system mounted on the swathboard to collect nutrient information as the mower cuts plant material, using a near-infrared sensor or non-contact spectral solution sensor to analyze the properties of the cut material in real-time, with the sensor's orientation adjusted for optimal signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If quality testing is performed after baling, then the testing process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the hay quality parameters are reduced due to the drying process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing quality testing on the cut plant material immediately after cutting and before the drying process begins. The sensor system is mounted on the swathboard to measure quality parameters such as RFV, protein content, fiber content, TDN, ADF, and NDF in real-time during the cutting operation, thereby capturing the quality data before any quality degradation occurs during drying and baling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sampling and laboratory testing system with an optical sensor system mounted on the swathboard. The sensor uses near-infrared or non-contact spectral solution to non-invasively measure quality parameters directly on the moving cut material, eliminating the need for physical sampling, laboratory processing, and subsequent mechanical handling of samples.
2Productivity
If a sensor is mounted on the swathboard to enable real-time testing, then hay quality parameters can be measured during cutting, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by mounting the sensor system on the swathboard, which is an existing component of the mower already present in the field. The swathboard serves multiple functions: it shapes the cut material into windrows and now also serves as the mounting platform for the quality sensing system. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated testing device and integrates the sensing capability into the existing mower structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the existing swathboard component of the mower to support the sensor system. The swathboard's structural elements, including the shoe plate and mounting brackets, are repurposed to hold and position the sensor optimally for measuring quality parameters. This approach leverages the self-contained nature of the swathboard to provide both mechanical function and sensing capability without requiring external support structures.
3Measurement precision
If the swathboard is positioned to maximize contact with crop material, then the sensor can accurately measure quality parameters, but the crop material is directed down to the ground reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor mounting position adjustable rather than fixed. The sensor can be positioned at different locations on the swathboard and its orientation can be adjusted to optimize the measurement of quality parameters. This dynamic positioning capability allows the sensor to adapt to varying crop material flow patterns and swathboard positions, maintaining accurate measurements regardless of whether the swathboard is in full down position or elevated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the sensor specifically at the location where the crop stream interacts with the swathboard, rather than using a generic mounting position. The sensor is placed to coincide with the specific zone where cut material contacts the swathboard surface, ensuring that the measurement captures the quality parameters of the material at the critical point of interaction, regardless of the overall swathboard position.
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
Enables real-time assessment of hay quality parameters during cutting, allowing for optimized drying and baling practices to maintain favorable hay quality, thereby improving revenue potential for hay producers.
Implementation Method 1
In an NIR testing system, light having wavelengths between 780 nm and 2500 nm is emitted by the instrument and then reflected by the plant material before being received back into the instrument
Implementation Method 2
using a near-infrared sensor or non-contact spectral solution sensor to analyze the properties of the cut material in real-time
Data Source
AI summary
A method of collecting nutrient information of plant material as a mower moves over a field. The mower has a swathboard positionable to shape a rearwardly-directed stream of cut plant material into windrows. A sensor is mounted on the swathboard to coincide with the location where the stream of cut plant material interacts with the swathboard. The sensor moves to a base position when the swathboard moves to a full down position such that the swathboard is maximizing contact of the swathboard with the crop material, where in the base position, a shoe plate on which the sensor is co-planer with the swathboard. The sensor moves to an extended position such that the shoe plate is pivoted relative the swathboard when the swathboard is positioned toward a full up position such that some of the crop stream is directed back to forming shields of the header assembly.