Capacitive Trench Depth Sensor for Agricultural Planting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural planting machines face challenges in accurately monitoring and maintaining proper trench depth due to susceptibility to ambient conditions and debris accumulation, leading to inaccurate depth sensing and variations in soil conditions.
Innovation Solution
A trench depth sensing system utilizing a capacitive sensor configured with a transmitter and receiver element to generate an electric field, allowing for precise measurement of trench depth by directly sensing the ground-engaging component, such as a gauge wheel, and accounting for debris build-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional depth sensing methods are used, then the system is simpler, but measurement precision deteriorates due to susceptibility to ambient conditions and debris accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical depth sensing methods with a capacitive sensing system. The capacitive sensor detects changes in capacitance caused by the ground-engaging component's movement through the soil, eliminating mechanical contact requirements and reducing susceptibility to debris accumulation and ambient conditions while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary capacitive coupling mechanism between the ground-engaging component and the sensing system. The capacitive sensor acts as an intermediary that detects depth indirectly through electrical field interactions, avoiding direct mechanical contact with the soil and debris, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex mechanical sensing structures.
2Measurement precision
If direct sensing of ground-engaging component is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with a capacitive sensing mechanism that directly detects the ground-engaging component's position through electrical field interactions. This substitution maintains direct sensing capability while reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in capacitive parameters (capacitance values) as the sensing mechanism. By monitoring capacitance changes caused by the ground-engaging component's movement through the soil, the system achieves direct depth measurement without requiring complex mechanical or optical sensing structures, thereby improving precision while controlling device complexity.
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
The system provides accurate and consistent trench depth measurements, enabling precise adjustments to maintain optimal planting depth, reducing delays in germination and improving crop yields.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor comprising a transmitter element driven by an input signal to generate an electric field and a receiver element configured to generate an output signal based on a capacitive coupling between the transmitter and receiver elements, wherein the capacitive coupling changes based on movement of the ground-engaging component within the electric field
Implementation Method 2
a transmitter element driven by an input signal to generate an electric field
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural planting machine is described. In one example, the machine comprises a trench opener configured to open a trench, and a trench depth sensing system comprising a ground-engaging component and a trench depth sensor configured to generate a signal indicative a displacement of the ground-engaging component by directly sensing a surface of the ground engaging component. In one example, an agricultural planting machine comprising a trench opener configured to open a trench, and a trench depth sensing system comprising a ground-engaging component and a capacitive sensor comprising a transmitter element driven by an input signal to generate an electric field and a receiver element configured to generate an output signal based on a capacitive coupling between the transmitter and receiver elements, wherein the capacitive coupling changes based on movement of the ground-engaging component within the electric field. A trench depth calculation component is configured to generate an indication of trench depth based on the output signal.