Windrow Moisture Sensor System for Baling Readiness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining when windrows are dry enough for baling is challenging due to variable weather conditions and initial crop moisture, leading to inefficient use of time and resources.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that uses sensors embedded in windrows to monitor moisture content, temperature, or visual characteristics, generating data that is processed to determine when the windrow is ready for baling, and sending alerts to operators or control stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If farmers visually inspect windrows to determine readiness for baling, then they can identify when windrows are dry enough, but they spend considerable time driving to fields and often move equipment prematurely, wasting time and resources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture content measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime spent driving to fields and equipment waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The windrow itself serves the measurement function through embedded sensors that automatically monitor moisture content, temperature, and other characteristics. The windrow acts as both the object being measured and the platform carrying the measurement devices, eliminating the need for separate inspection trips by farmers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Physical visual inspection by farmers is replaced with electronic sensing systems. Sensors embedded in the windrow electronically measure moisture content, temperature, and other parameters, substituting human visual assessment with automated electronic detection and data transmission to a central processing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If farmers move baling equipment to fields prematurely to be ready when windrows are dry, then they can quickly bale when ready, but they waste time and resources moving equipment unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebaling operation efficiencyVSAvoidfuel consumption and resource waste from premature equipment movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors windrow conditions and provides real-time feedback to operators about moisture content and readiness status. This feedback loop enables operators to make informed decisions about when to move equipment, preventing premature movement and optimizing the timing of baling operations based on actual windrow conditions rather than estimates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors are embedded in windrows during the winding operation itself, preparing the measurement system in advance. The processing system is pre-configured with target moisture levels and readiness criteria, so when windrows reach those conditions, the system can immediately notify operators without delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple sensors are embedded in each windrow to monitor various characteristics, then measurement accuracy and reliability improve, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness determination accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The embedded sensor system is designed to perform multiple measurement functions using a single integrated platform. Sensors monitor moisture content, temperature, and other windrow characteristics simultaneously, with data processed by a unified processing system that determines readiness based on multiple parameters rather than relying on a single measurement type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 method allows for accurate and timely determination of windrow readiness for baling, reducing waste and optimizing resource allocation by providing precise moisture content monitoring and alerting systems.

Implementation Method 1

monitoring, via a sensor embedded in the windrow, a characteristic of the windrow associated with a moisture content of the windrow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric sensing: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 2

the sensor may be a temperature sensor that monitors a current temperature of the windrow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the sensor may be a camera that monitors a size and/or color of the windrow to assess its moisture content

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20250054121A1System and Method for Measuring and Reporting Windrow Moisture

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 AGCO CORP

AI summary

A computer-implemented method of determining when a windrow of crop is ready to be baled. A sensor embedded in or passing over the windrow senses a characteristic of the windrow associated with a moisture content of the windrow and generates corresponding sensor data. A processing element analyzes the sensor data to determine whether the windrow is ready to be baled and provides an alert when the windrow is ready to be baled.