Sowing Machine Coulter Pressure Control via Sensor Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sowing machines with individual coulter pressure control require a sensor for each row unit, leading to increased production costs due to the high number of sensors needed.
Innovation Solution
The number of sensors is reduced by using a functional relationship to interpolate the coulter pressure for row units without a direct sensor, allowing the open-loop or closed-loop control device to control each row unit individually based on the positioning and electrical signals from associated sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is provided on each row unit for individual coulter pressure control, then the control quality and seed deposition depth accuracy are improved, but the production costs increase due to the high number of sensors required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a functional relationship (mathematical model) to generate virtual sensor signals for row units without physical sensors, copying the measurement data from adjacent equipped row units. This allows the control system to operate as if all row units had sensors, resolving the contradiction by replacing expensive physical sensors with computational models that replicate sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional relationship serves multiple purposes: it interpolates missing sensor data, predicts soil conditions between measurement points, and enables control of unequipped row units using data from equipped units. This multi-functional approach allows a single sensor per section to serve the control needs of multiple row units, reducing the total sensor count while maintaining control quality.
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of sensors is reduced to lower production costs, then manufacturing expenses decrease, but the ability to control coulter pressure individually for each row unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device acts as an intermediary by receiving sensor data from equipped row units, processing it through functional relationships to generate virtual signals for unequipped units, and then using these synthesized signals to control the coulter pressure of all row units individually. This intermediary processing layer restores individual control capability that would otherwise be lost due to sensor reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/sensor-based measurement system with a computational/mathematical model (functional relationship). Instead of relying on physical sensors for every row unit, the system uses mathematical interpolation and prediction algorithms to generate the necessary control signals, substituting computational logic for physical measurement infrastructure.
3Quantity of substance
If sensors are arranged to detect total pressure for multiple row units, then the number of sensors decreases, but the measurement precision for individual row units is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement and control functions: equipped row units provide actual sensor measurements, while unequipped row units receive computationally derived virtual measurements. The functional relationship processes the segmented data from equipped units to generate appropriate control signals for each unequipped unit, maintaining individual control precision despite shared sensor infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter representation from direct physical sensor readings for all units to a hybrid approach where physical readings are transformed into virtual parameters for unequipped units through functional relationships. This parameter transformation allows individual row unit control precision to be maintained while using fewer physical sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
A sowing machine has row units, where each of the row units includes tillage tools and a hydraulic cylinder which applies a coulter pressure upon the tillage tools that is adjustable by a pressure valve. Further, a sensor arrangement includes at least two sensors for producing an electrical signal in connection with a total pressure acting upon the tillage tools of each row unit. In addition, an open-loop or closed-loop control device is connected to the pressure valves and the sensor arrangement and configured to adjust the coulter pressure of each row unit individually and to adapt it on the basis of the electrical signals of the sensor arrangement. In order to create a sowing machine with individual coulter pressure control that is inexpensive to manufacture, a reduced number of sensors is advantageously employed by using a functional relationship.