Vehicle Volume Determination System Using Suspension Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of self-propelled agricultural machines face challenges in accurately determining the amount of product in holding tanks, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to overfilling or running out of product during application processes.

Innovation Solution

A volume determination system that uses image data from an imager system and pressure measurements from suspension assemblies to calculate the volume of product in segmented holding tanks, providing real-time data to operators via a display panel or remote device, and adjusting operations accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If operators manually monitor product levels in holding tanks, then they can detect product quantity, but this leads to inaccurate measurements and timing errors in hailing tender trucks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct level measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime wasted on hailing tender trucks too soon or too late

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated sensor systems including pressure sensors, load cells, and level sensors that continuously monitor product volume and weight in holding tanks. This mechanical-to-electronic substitution eliminates human estimation errors and provides precise real-time data for timely tender truck dispatch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If operators visually estimate product quantity, then no additional equipment is needed, but this results in overfilling or running out of product during application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of monitoring systemVSAvoidproduct quantity accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple sensing functions (weight measurement via load cells, volume measurement via pressure sensors, level detection via float sensors) into a unified monitoring system. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive product quantity information while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized display and alert systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If holding tank capacity is increased to reduce refilling frequency, then productivity improves, but safety concerns arise from overloading the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling frequencyVSAvoidvehicle overloading safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback systems using pressure sensors and load cells that continuously monitor holding tank fill levels and vehicle weight. When approaching maximum capacity or weight limits, the system provides automated alerts to operators, enabling proactive management of tank filling to prevent overloading while maximizing productive capacity utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system enables precise monitoring of product levels, optimizing logistics, preventing overloading, and ensuring sufficient product for applications, thereby reducing waste, fuel consumption, and enhancing safety by providing accurate volume and weight data to operators.

Implementation Method 1

receive pressure measurements from suspension assemblies of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

receive image data from an imager system mounted to the holding tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage data capture:

Data Source

PatentUS20240142288A1Volume Determination System, a Vehicle Having a Volume Determination System, and Methods of Operating Such a Vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.05.02 AGCO CORP

AI summary

A vehicle includes a holding tank including a plurality of segments, each configured to hold an individual product, a plurality of suspension assemblies supporting the vehicle, and a volume determination system. The volume determination system is configured to receive image data from at least one imager system of the vehicle during a first filling process of a first segment of the holding tank, analyze the received image data to identify a termination of the first filling process, responsive to identifying the termination of the first filling process, receive first pressure measurements from the plurality of suspension assemblies, based at least partially on the received first pressure measurements, determine a volume of a first product within the first segment of the holding tank, and cause the determined volume of the product within the first segment of the plurality of segments to be output to an operator of the vehicle.