Loading Wagon End Wall Pressure Sensor Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loading wagons face inefficiencies in utilizing their loading volume due to low triggering forces from the weight-based automatic loading system, leading to inadequate filling, especially with light or moist crops, and increased manufacturing costs from adding weights or springs to enhance triggering forces.

Innovation Solution

A loading wagon design where a pressure sensor is coupled to a control device to adjust the pivoting of the end wall based on crop type, allowing for precise pressure measurement and sensitive control of the scraper floor and end wall, enabling optimal filling and utilization of the loading space by inclining the front wall accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the mass of the press flap is increased by additional weights and/or further springs to increase triggering forces, then the scraper floor triggering becomes more effective, but the empty weight increases and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetriggering forcesVSAvoidempty weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical weight-based triggering system with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of using additional weights and springs to increase triggering forces, the invention uses sensors to detect crop presence and triggers the scraper floor based on sensor signals, eliminating the need for increased mechanical mass while maintaining effective triggering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensors as an intermediary between the crop and the scraper floor triggering mechanism. The sensors detect crop presence and transmit this information to the control system, which then activates the scraper floor, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct mechanical force transmission through heavy weights and springs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If the mass of the press flap is increased by additional weights and/or further springs to increase triggering forces, then the scraper floor triggering becomes more effective, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetriggering forcesVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical weight-based triggering system with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of using additional weights and springs to increase triggering forces, the invention uses sensors to detect crop presence and triggers the scraper floor based on sensor signals, eliminating the need for increased mechanical mass while maintaining effective triggering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses relatively simple and inexpensive sensors instead of expensive heavy mechanical components. The sensor-based system requires minimal material resources compared to adding substantial weights and spring mechanisms, reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the same functional objective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stress or pressure

If the front wall is inclined backwards to increase pressing pressure for light dry crops, then the pressing pressure increases, but the loading volume utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressing pressureVSAvoidloading volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the front wall inclination dynamic rather than fixed. The wall angle is automatically adjusted based on real-time sensor feedback about crop type and loading conditions. For light dry crops, the wall inclines backwards to increase pressing pressure, while for other conditions, the angle changes to optimize loading volume, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the front wall inclination angle based on detected crop characteristics. The control system modifies the wall angle parameter in response to sensor inputs, increasing the angle backwards for light dry crops to enhance pressing pressure, and adjusting it differently for other crop types to maximize loading volume utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-generated harmful factors

If the front wall is inclined forwards to counteract clogging for moist crops, then clogging is reduced, but the pressing pressure decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecloggingVSAvoidpressing pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the front wall inclination dynamic rather than fixed. The wall angle is automatically adjusted based on real-time sensor feedback about crop type and loading conditions. For light dry crops, the wall inclines backwards to increase pressing pressure, while for other conditions, the angle changes to optimize loading volume, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the front wall inclination angle based on detected crop characteristics. The control system modifies the wall angle parameter in response to sensor inputs, increasing the angle backwards for light dry crops to enhance pressing pressure, and adjusting it differently for other crop types to maximize loading volume utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design achieves a 15% gain in cargo space without compromising safety, allowing for better adaptation to different crops and load capacities, ensuring efficient filling and utilization of the loading space.

Implementation Method 1

at least one hydraulic cylinder (9), which can pivot the end wall (7) forwardly or backwardly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

A pressure sensor (9a) is provided or coupled in or on the pressure chamber of the hydraulic cylinder (9) in order to at least qualitatively detect these forces F acting on the end wall (7)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

supported at its rear end by compression springs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2732692B1Loading wagon

Publication Date: 2018.01.31 FORAGE CO BV

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The wagon has a loading space comprising a floor conveyor (5) limited by a front wall (7) at front side. The floor conveyor is pivotable with a hydraulic cylinder (9) that comprises a pressure sensor (9a), which actuates displacement of the floor conveyor and/or the front wall when reaching a predetermined pressure value. The pressure sensor is coupled with a control device (10) that is arranged in a cabin of a tractor. The front wall is trough-shaped, and a central portion extends forward than side walls (6). The front wall is pivotable on a conveyor rotor (8) about horizontal axis.