Variable rate boom applicator system

Abstract

The application discloses a variable rate fertilizer application system, belonging to the technical field of agricultural machinery. The system is installed on a seeding machine and comprises a fertilizer box, a driving motor, a Hall speed detector, an electronic controller and an alarm. The Hall speed detector detects the working speed of the seeding machine in real time; the electronic controller receives the speed signal and adjusts the rotating speed of the driving motor according to the speed signal, so that the fertilizer discharge rate is changed, and the automatic variable control of the fertilizer application rate is realized; and the alarm gives an alarm when the motor is blocked or overspeeds. Through the closed-loop control of the speed-fertilizer discharge rate, the application effectively solves the problem of uneven fertilizer application caused by the fluctuation of the vehicle speed, guarantees the accurate stability of the fertilizer application rate per unit area, has the fault diagnosis function, and improves the intelligent level and reliability of the fertilizer application operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of agricultural machinery technology, specifically relating to a fertilizer control system for seeding machinery, and in particular a variable-rate fertilizer application system integrating speed detection, motor drive and intelligent alarm functions. Background Technology

[0002] Topdressing is a crucial step in sowing operations. It refers to applying a small amount of high-efficiency fertilizer to the seedbed at the same time as sowing to provide initial nutrients for seed germination and seedling growth. Traditional topdressing often uses mechanical fertilizer applicators, whose fertilizer dispensing rate is determined by manually adjusting the speed of the fertilizer dispensing shaft or the working length of the fertilizer dispensing wheel. Once set, the fertilizer dispensing rate remains constant throughout the entire operation.

[0003] Currently, most fertilizer applicators used with seeders on the market are passive mechanical structures. They primarily operate in two ways: one relies on a ground wheel to drive the fertilizer discharge shaft, with the discharge rate directly proportional to the working distance and unable to be adjusted; the other uses a simple motor drive, but lacks speed feedback, meaning the discharge rate cannot automatically adjust with changes in working speed. In actual operation, the seeder's operating speed inevitably fluctuates due to factors such as field terrain and soil resistance. Using the traditional fixed fertilizer discharge method leads to uneven fertilization per unit area: insufficient fertilization at high speeds affects fertilizer efficiency; excessive fertilization at low speeds not only wastes fertilizer but may also cause seed and seedling burn. Furthermore, existing devices generally lack operational status monitoring functions, failing to provide timely alarms when conditions such as fertilizer pipe blockage or motor malfunction occur, resulting in insufficient reliability.

[0004] Comprehensive analysis reveals that existing fertilizer application devices suffer from significant drawbacks, including low levels of intelligence, poor precision in fertilizer application control, inability to adapt to changes in vehicle speed, and a lack of fault alarm functions. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a variable fertilizer application system capable of real-time response to operating speed, automatic adjustment of fertilizer discharge, and monitoring and alarm functions to achieve precise, efficient, and reliable fertilizer application. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing seeder fertilization devices, such as low intelligence and poor precision in fertilizer application control, by providing a variable-rate fertilization system. This invention aims to solve problems such as uneven fertilizer application per unit area caused by fluctuations in seeder operating speed and the lack of fault monitoring. Specifically, the purpose of this invention is:

[0006] 1. A fertilization system is provided that can automatically adjust the amount of fertilizer applied according to the real-time operating speed of the seeder, realizing closed-loop control of "speed measurement-variable" to ensure the stability and accuracy of fertilizer application per unit area.

[0007] 2. Provide a fertilization system with fault diagnosis and alarm functions, which can issue alarms in a timely manner when abnormal situations such as blockage or overspeed occur, reminding operators to intervene and improving operational reliability.

[0008] 3. Provide a compact, highly integrated mechatronics solution that is easy to install and use on existing seeders, thereby improving the overall intelligence level and operational quality of the seeder.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] A variable fertilizer application system is installed on a seeder. The system mainly includes a fertilizer dispenser, a drive motor, a Hall effect speed sensor, an electronic controller, and an alarm.

[0011] The fertilizer dispenser is an external grooved wheel type, used to hold and discharge fertilizer. Its discharge volume can be coarsely adjusted via a manual adjustment device: this device includes an adjusting handwheel and a wing bolt. Loosening the wing bolt and rotating the adjusting handwheel changes the working length of the grooved wheel to accommodate the characteristics of different fertilizers. The drive motor is a DC geared motor, whose output shaft is connected to the fertilizer discharging mechanism of the fertilizer dispenser to provide power for its operation.

[0012] The Hall effect speed sensor is installed on the ground wheel or drive shaft of the seeder to detect the rotation speed of the ground wheel in real time in a non-contact manner, thereby calculating the real-time operating speed of the seeder and sending the speed signal to the electronic controller.

[0013] The electronic controller is the core of the system, and it has a pre-set curve showing the relationship between fertilizer discharge rate and operating speed. The controller receives the speed signal from the Hall effect tachometer, calculates the target fertilizer discharge rate by querying the internal curve, and outputs a corresponding PWM control signal to adjust the speed of the drive motor, thereby achieving stepless variable control of the fertilizer discharge rate.

[0014] The alarm is connected to the electronic controller, and its alarm triggering conditions include: when the drive motor experiences abnormal current due to blockage or other reasons; and when the operating speed exceeds a preset safety threshold (e.g., 12 km / h). Once the triggering conditions are met, the alarm immediately activates an audible and visual alarm to alert the driver.

[0015] In addition, the various components of the system are connected by waterproof connectors, and the power interface is directly connected to the tractor's onboard battery. The overall structure is compact, the protection level is high, and it is suitable for use in harsh field environments.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the variable fertilizer application system provided by the present invention has the following significant advantages:

[0017] 1. Precise fertilization and stable fertilizer effect: Through closed-loop automatic control of speed and fertilizer discharge, the problem of uneven fertilizer application caused by speed fluctuations is completely overcome, ensuring the accuracy and stability of fertilizer application per unit area. This avoids fertilizer waste and eliminates the risk of seed and seedling burn caused by local over-fertilization, significantly improving fertilization quality and fertilizer utilization.

[0018] 2. High level of intelligence and strong reliability: The system integrates speed detection, intelligent control, and fault diagnosis functions, achieving fully automated operation and reducing the operator's workload. Simultaneously, its overspeed and congestion alarm functions can promptly detect operational anomalies, effectively preventing machine damage and missed operations, greatly improving system reliability and operational efficiency.

[0019] 3. High adaptability and easy installation: The system is a relatively independent module with a compact structure and standard interfaces. It can be used with newly produced intelligent seeders or easily installed on existing traditional seeders. Upgrading and modification are simple, and it has good versatility, which is conducive to large-scale promotion and application.

[0020] 4. User-friendly interface and easy operation: The system retains a manual coarse adjustment function, facilitating initial settings based on fertilizer type. Power indicator lights on the electronic controller and audible and visual alarm prompts make the system's operating status clear at a glance, facilitating monitoring and maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are schematic diagrams used to clearly illustrate the structure, connection relationships, and working principle of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the actual shape, size, or proportion of the product.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall installation of the variable fertilizer application system described in this embodiment of the invention on a seeder;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical connection and control principle of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the oral swab box and manual adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the Hall speedometer installed at the end of the ground wheel axle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance and interface of the electronic controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1021-Electronic controller, 1022-Fertilizer outlet box, 1023-Drive motor, 1024-Hall speed sensor, 1025-Wing bolt, 1026-Adjusting handwheel, 1027-Fertilizer outlet, 1028-Gate wheel, 1029-Blocking sleeve, 1030-Power indicator light, 1031-Power interface (+12V), 1032-Power interface (GND), 1033-Motor drive interface, 1034-Speed ​​signal interface, 1035-Alarm output interface, 1036-Magnet. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This description is intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and reproduce the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Please see Figures 1-5 This is a preferred embodiment of the variable fertilizer application system of the present invention. The system mainly includes a fertilizer dispenser 1022, a drive motor 1023, a Hall effect tachometer 1024, an electronic controller 1021, and an alarm 1040. As a standalone module, this system can be easily installed on the fertilizer box or main beam of various seeders using brackets and bolts. The fertilizer dispenser 1022 and drive motor 1023 are typically integrated, the electronic controller 1021 can be fixed to the side of the main beam, and the Hall effect tachometer 1024 is installed at the end of the ground wheel 500 shaft.

[0030] The oral swab 1022 is the execution terminal of this system, such as Figure 3As shown, its core component is an external grooved wheel type fertilizer dispenser. This dispenser includes a fertilizer box housing, a dispensing shaft, a dispensing grooved wheel 1028, and a blocking sleeve 1029. The dispensing shaft is supported on the fertilizer box housing by bearings, and the dispensing grooved wheel 1028 is fixed to the dispensing shaft by a key connection and can rotate with the shaft. The blocking sleeve 1029 is slidably fitted onto the dispensing shaft, and its end face adjacent to the grooved wheel 1028 is used to limit the effective working length of the grooved wheel 1028. To accommodate fertilizers with different physical properties (such as particle size, bulk density, and flowability), the system is equipped with a manual coarse adjustment device. This device includes an adjusting handwheel 1026 connected to the blocking sleeve 1029 and a wing bolt 1025. During coarse adjustment, the operator first loosens the wing bolt 1025 to release the locking force on the handwheel 1026, and then rotates the adjusting handwheel 1026 clockwise or counterclockwise. The rotation of handwheel 1026 is converted into linear motion of blocking sleeve 1029 via its internal thread, thereby changing the relative position between blocking sleeve 1029 and the end face of grooved wheel 1028, which in turn changes the working length of grooved wheel 1028 exposed at the fertilizer discharge port. A longer working length results in a larger fertilizer discharge volume, and vice versa. After adjustment, retightening the wing bolt 1025 will lock handwheel 1026 and blocking sleeve 1029 in place. This manual coarse adjustment function is used to set the baseline value for fertilizer discharge volume, which forms the basis for subsequent automatic variable adjustment.

[0031] The drive motor 1023 is a DC geared motor, which is directly or indirectly connected to the fertilizer discharge shaft of the fertilizer box 1022 via a coupling or small gearbox to provide power for fertilizer discharge. A DC geared motor was chosen because it has good speed regulation characteristics, high starting torque, and simple control. The motor's rated voltage matches the tractor's power supply system, typically 12V or 24V.

[0032] The Hall effect tachometer 1024 is the speed sensing unit of this system, responsible for real-time acquisition of the seeder's operating speed. For example... Figure 4 The diagram shows the installation of the Hall effect speed sensor 1024. There are two preferred installation options: First, it can be directly installed on the end of the ground wheel axle 510 or the drive shaft of the seeder. The shaft speed is calculated by detecting the rotational frequency of the magnet 1036 fixed on the shaft, and then converted into forward speed based on the circumference of the ground wheel. Second, it can be installed on the output shaft of the tractor gearbox. The Hall effect speed sensor 1024 integrates a Hall element and signal conditioning circuitry, converting the magnetic flux change caused by the magnet passing by into a regular pulse signal (e.g., several pulses per revolution) and outputting it to the electronic controller 1021. This non-contact measurement method avoids the effects of slippage, does not increase transmission resistance, and has high reliability.

[0033] The electronic controller (ECU) 1021 is the "brain" of the entire system; it is essentially a microcontroller unit (MCU), such as... Figure 5The diagram shows the controller's interface. It is installed in a waterproof housing and fixed at a suitable position on the main beam of the seeder. The housing includes a power indicator light 1030, power interfaces 1031 and 1032, a motor drive interface 1033, a speed measurement signal interface 1034, and an alarm output interface 1035. The controller's core hardware includes an MCU main chip, a power management circuit, a motor drive circuit (usually an H-bridge circuit), signal input interfaces, and an alarm output interface. Figure 2 The diagram shows the principle block diagram of the system. Its core control logic is as follows: The controller internally stores a "fertilizer application rate-speed correspondence curve table." This curve defines the target speed required by the drive motor to maintain a constant fertilizer application rate per unit area at different operating speeds. The controller receives the pulse frequency signal sent by the Hall effect tachometer 1024 in real time and calculates the real-time operating speed (e.g., speed V = pulse frequency f × wheel circumference C / number of pulses per revolution N). Then, the controller queries the internally stored relationship curve and calculates the target PWM duty cycle corresponding to the current speed using interpolation methods. Subsequently, the controller generates the corresponding PWM signal and outputs it to the drive motor 1023 through the motor drive circuit, thereby precisely controlling its speed. This constitutes a typical closed-loop control system: speed feedback -> controller calculation -> motor speed adjustment -> fertilizer application rate change, ultimately ensuring that the fertilizer application rate per acre remains stable and unaffected by changes in vehicle speed.

[0034] The alarm is connected to the output port of the electronic controller 1021. Preferably, it is a sound and light alarm, which can be installed in the tractor cab in a location easily noticed by the driver. The electronic controller 1021 continuously monitors the system's operating status and triggers an alarm in two situations:

[0035] 1. Motor Blockage Alarm: The controller determines whether there is a blockage by monitoring the operating current of the drive motor 1023. When the fertilizer discharge channel is blocked by foreign objects or fertilizer clumps, causing a sudden increase in motor load, its operating current will exceed the normal range. Once the controller detects that the current continuously exceeds the preset safety threshold, it determines that there is a blockage fault and immediately activates the alarm.

[0036] 2. Overspeed Alarm: To ensure uniform fertilization and operational safety, the system sets a maximum operating speed threshold (e.g., 12 km / h). The controller compares the real-time calculated operating speed with this threshold. If the actual speed exceeds this threshold, it is considered overspeeding, and an alarm is immediately triggered. The alarm signal is a continuous audible and visual alert (e.g., a continuous buzzer and a constantly lit red light) until the fault is cleared and the controller detects that the status has returned to normal.

[0037] The system is powered by the tractor's onboard battery. The power interface includes a red positive wire and a black negative wire. The positive wire should be connected to the positive terminal (+12V) of the battery, and the negative wire should be connected to the negative terminal (ground) of the battery. The electronic controller 1021 has a power indicator light (usually a green LED), which illuminates once power is successfully supplied, providing the operator with a clear indication of the system's power status.

[0038] Furthermore, to ensure the system's reliability and durability, the connecting cables between components are all secured using methods such as... Figure 5 The interfaces shown are connected using waterproof connectors, such as those from AMP or Deutsch, ensuring stable electrical connections even in harsh, damp, and dusty field environments.

[0039] The workflow of this utility model is as follows:

[0040] 1. Preparation: Based on the type of fertilizer to be applied, initially set the fertilizer discharge rate of the fertilizer box using the manual adjustment device (adjustment handwheel 1026), and tighten the wing bolt to lock it.

[0041] 2. System Start-up: Connect the system power cord correctly to the tractor power supply. The electronic controller 1021 will be powered on, and the power indicator light will illuminate.

[0042] 3. Start of operation: The seeder starts to move, and the Hall effect speed sensor 1024 detects the speed in real time and transmits the signal to the electronic controller 1021.

[0043] 4. Variable fertilization: The electronic controller 1021 dynamically adjusts the speed of the drive motor 1023 according to the real-time speed through the PWM signal, thereby realizing automatic stepless adjustment of the fertilizer discharge.

[0044] 5. Fault monitoring and alarm: Throughout the operation, the controller continuously monitors the motor current and operating speed. If a blockage or overspeed occurs, the alarm 1040 will be activated immediately to issue an audible and visual alarm.

[0045] 6. End of work: Disconnect the power and empty any remaining fertilizer from fertilizer box 1022.

[0046] As can be seen from the detailed description above, this utility model, through its ingenious mechatronics design, organically integrates mechanical transmission, sensing technology, automatic control, and fault diagnosis, successfully constructing an intelligent, precise, and reliable variable-rate fertilizer application system. It effectively solves the inherent defects of traditional fixed-rate fertilizer application methods, significantly improves the technical level of precision fertilization, and has good economic benefits and promising prospects for widespread application.

Claims

1. A variable rate seed trench fertilization system mounted on a planter, characterized by, include: Fertilizer box (1022), used to hold fertilizer and equipped with a fertilizer outlet; A drive motor (1023) is connected to the fertilizer box (1022) and is used to drive the fertilizer discharge mechanism inside it. Hall effect tachometer (1024) is used to detect the operating speed of the seeder in real time and generate a speed signal; The electronic controller (1021) is electrically connected to the Hall speed sensor (1024) and the drive motor (1023) respectively. It is used to receive the speed signal and adjust the control signal output to the drive motor (1023) according to the signal, thereby changing its speed and realizing variable control of fertilizer discharge. An alarm, connected to the electronic controller (1021), is used to issue an alarm signal when a system malfunction occurs.

2. The variable rate boom fertilizer application system of claim 1, wherein, The fertilizer box (1022) is an external grooved wheel type fertilizer dispenser, and its fertilizer discharge volume is coarsely adjusted by adjusting the working length of the grooved wheel; the system also includes a manual adjustment device, which includes an adjustment handwheel (1026) and a wing bolt (1025). Rotating the adjustment handwheel (1026) can change the working length of the grooved wheel.

3. The variable rate boom fertilizer application system of claim 1, wherein, The electronic controller (1021) has a pre-set fertilizer discharge-speed correspondence curve. The controller queries the curve based on the received speed signal and outputs a corresponding PWM control signal to drive the motor (1023).

4. The variable rate boom fertilizer application system of claim 1, wherein, The alarm is an audible and visual alarm, and its alarm triggering conditions include: When the drive motor (1023) becomes blocked or jammed; When the operating speed of the seeder exceeds the preset safety threshold.

5. The variable rate boom fertilizer application system of claim 4, wherein, The safety threshold is set at 12 km / h.

6. The variable rate boom fertilizer application system of claim 1, wherein, The system also includes a power interface for connecting to the tractor's onboard battery; the power interface includes a red positive wire and a black negative wire.

7. The variable rate boom fertilizer application system of claim 1, wherein, The Hall effect tachometer (1024) is installed on the ground wheel or drive shaft of the seeder to detect the rotation speed.

8. The variable rate boom fertilizer application system of claim 1, wherein, The electronic controller (1021) is equipped with a power indicator light to indicate the power-on status of the system.

9. The variable rate boom fertilizer application system of claim 1, wherein, The drive motor (1023) is a DC geared motor.

10. The variable rate boom fertilizer application system of any of claims 1-9, wherein, The electronic controller (1021), alarm, drive motor (1023) and Hall effect speed sensor (1024) are connected by a waterproof connector.

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