Agricultural Spreader Fill Quantity Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calculating the necessary filling quantity for seed drills and similar machines with multiple seed hoppers cannot account for variations in seed distribution due to field shape and different seed rates across the width, leading to premature emptying or leftover seed in containers.
Innovation Solution
A data processing system creates an optimized path plan that takes into account site-specific seed distribution and varying seed rates across the width of the machine, calculating exact filling quantities for each container to ensure efficient seed application and minimize waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single hopper is used for seed distribution, then the calculation of required fill quantity is simple, but the machine cannot account for variations in seed distribution due to field shape and different seed rates across the width
Solution Approach 1:
The seed distribution system is divided into multiple hoppers, each responsible for a specific section of the field width. This segmentation allows each hopper to be independently filled and monitored, enabling precise control of seed distribution across different zones with varying seed rates while maintaining manageable complexity in the overall system.
2Productivity
If constant seed rate per unit area is assumed, then the fill quantity calculation is simplified, but premature emptying or leftover seed in containers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The seed rate is varied locally across different sections of the field based on specific requirements for each zone. The system calculates and applies different seed rates for different areas, allowing the fill quantity for each hopper to be precisely determined according to the actual needs of its designated section, thereby avoiding both premature emptying and leftover seed while maintaining high sowing efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If hoppers are filled without considering varying distances traveled, then filling process is quick, but some hoppers empty prematurely while others have leftover seed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations to determine the exact fill quantity required for each hopper based on the specific distance each will travel and the seed rate required for its section. This advance planning ensures that each hopper is filled with the precise amount of seed needed, preventing both premature emptying and leftover seed, while keeping the filling operation straightforward through automated calculation and guidance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for calculating optimized fill quantities for containers (56) of a machine (30) for spreading agricultural material is proposed. This method involves creating a route plan and summing the constant or site-specific variable quantity of material to be applied along the routes specified in the route plan for each container (56) to calculate and output the fill quantities to be filled in each container (56). Furthermore, a route plan optimized for the machine (30) to ensure a more uniform distribution of the material quantities to be extracted from the individual containers (56) can be calculated.