Towed Spreader Load Monitoring via Intermediate Force Transducers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing towed large-area spreaders are expensive, prone to damage, and lack sufficient information about the load condition, making them inefficient for monitoring and managing the distribution of materials like fertilizer.

Innovation Solution

A towed large-area spreader equipped with multiple force transducers arranged between the support frame and storage container, an evaluation device that calculates load positions using force and moment balances, and a display device for real-time load information, allowing for wireless communication to the tractor's cab.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple force transducers are installed directly on the drawbar to measure vertical load, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical load measurementVSAvoidforce transducer installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate force transducers that are installed between the hopper and the support frame, rather than directly on the drawbar. These intermediate transducers serve as mediators to indirectly measure the vertical load on the drawbar through force equilibrium calculations, thereby avoiding direct installation on the drawbar while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement on the drawbar with a calculation-based approach. By measuring forces at accessible locations (between hopper and support frame) and using force equilibrium equations, the system substitutes direct drawbar instrumentation with indirect measurement and computational analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If load measuring devices are installed on the drawbar to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but the device becomes more prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety monitoringVSAvoiddamage risk to measuring device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The force transducers are positioned as intermediaries between the hopper and support frame, away from the drawbar. This intermediate positioning protects the sensitive measuring devices from the harsh conditions and potential damage associated with direct drawbar installation, while still enabling reliable load monitoring through indirect measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent strategically positions force transducers in protected locations (between hopper and support frame) before they could be exposed to damage risks. This preemptive placement shields the measuring devices from potential harm while maintaining their monitoring function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Strength

If multiple axles are used to distribute load, then strength and stability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidaxle configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the force measurement function across multiple single-point transducers positioned at different locations between the hopper and support frame. This segmentation allows accurate load determination without requiring multiple axles, as each transducer measures a portion of the total force that can be combined through calculation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses force equilibrium calculations to create a virtual model of the drawbar load based on measurements from accessible locations. This computational copy of the load information eliminates the need for physical duplication through multiple axles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 simple, damage-resistant monitoring and management of load conditions, providing operators with real-time axle and support load data, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs by using fewer axles and evenly distributing forces.

Implementation Method 1

several force transducers arranged at intervals from one another, which are configured to detect the weight force exerted by the hopper on the respective force transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce detection: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3398424B1Drawn distribution machine

Publication Date: 2019.12.18 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a trailed distribution machine (10) comprising a storage container (12) configured to receive material to be distributed, a distribution device (14) configured to distribute material located in the storage container (12), several force transducers (26a-26d) arranged at intervals from one another, which are configured to detect the weight force exerted by the storage container (12) on the respective force transducer (26a-26d), a support frame (18) which supports the storage container (12), wherein the several force transducers (26a-26d) are arranged between the support frame (18) and the storage container (12), and an evaluation device (34) which is configured to detect and/or determine the load at one or more positions of the distribution machine (10) based on the signals from the force transducers (26a-26d).