Adjustable Row Unit Sensors for Seed Depth Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural implements face challenges in precisely placing seeds due to variations in soil type, moisture, and terrain, leading to uneven crop growth as seed placement depth is affected by soil conditions and implement operation.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural implement with a frame, integrated toolbar, and adjustable wheels, equipped with sensors to detect the position of row units relative to the ground, and actuators to adjust the frame height, ensuring consistent seed placement across varying terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional planters are used without position sensors and actuators, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of seed placement deteriorates due to variations in terrain and soil conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to detect the actual position of row units relative to the ground and feeds this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the actuators to correct any deviations from the desired seed placement depth, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precision despite terrain variations
Solution Approach 2:
The implement frame is designed with movable row units that can dynamically adjust their position relative to the ground through actuators, allowing the system to adapt in real-time to changing terrain conditions rather than maintaining a fixed configuration
Solution Approach 3:
The patent replaces purely mechanical seed placement mechanisms with an integrated system that uses sensors, electronic controllers, and actuators to precisely control row unit position, substituting manual or passive mechanical adjustment with automated electro-mechanical control
2Adaptability or versatility
If the implement frame is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the stability of the object's composition is improved, but the adaptability to different terrain conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The implement frame is divided into separate sections with independently controllable row units, allowing each segment to adapt to local terrain variations while the overall frame structure maintains its stability and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates movable and adjustable components that can dynamically change their configuration in response to terrain conditions, enabling the rigid frame structure to achieve adaptive positioning of seed placement elements without compromising overall structural stability
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement includes a frame having an integrated elongate toolbar carrying at least one row unit, at least one wheel coupled to the frame, a sensor configured to sense a position of the row unit relative to the ground, and an actuator configured to raise or lower the frame relative to the wheel based at least in part on a sensed position of the row unit. Control systems and related methods are also disclosed.