Disc Sensor System for Real-Time Soil Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for determining soil characteristics in farming applications are either costly or offer decreased resolution, failing to provide real-time, accurate data on soil hardness, strength, compactness, and temperature, which can lead to suboptimal crop yields and premature damage to agricultural machinery.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a ground engaging device with at least one disc member and an elongate shaft, equipped with first and second sensor units configured to measure forces in different directions, coupled with a processor to generate output signals indicative of soil characteristics, allowing for real-time monitoring and improved resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art sensor systems are used to determine soil characteristics, then soil characteristics can be measured, but the resolution is decreased and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple sensor units distributed across the ground engaging device, with each unit measuring forces in specific directions. This segmentation allows for high-resolution soil characteristic measurement across multiple locations simultaneously while using simpler, lower-cost individual sensor units rather than one expensive high-resolution sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from measuring soil characteristics at single points to measuring forces in multiple spatial dimensions (different directions) simultaneously across multiple sensor units. This multi-dimensional approach provides comprehensive soil characteristic data with high resolution while using cost-effective force sensors arranged in strategic positions
2Productivity
If prior art sensor systems are used to determine soil characteristics, then real-time data can be obtained, but the resolution and cost-effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously measures forces in multiple directions across multiple sensor units as the ground engaging device operates, providing uninterrupted real-time soil characteristic data. This continuous multi-point measurement maintains high resolution throughout the operational cycle rather than providing intermittent or averaged data
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor units are distributed across the ground engaging device to simultaneously capture soil characteristic data from different locations and directions, enabling continuous real-time monitoring with high spatial resolution without requiring a single complex expensive sensor system
3Ease of manufacture
If inadequate soil condition monitoring is performed, then costs are reduced, but crop yields decrease and machinery damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The ground engaging device itself is utilized as the sensor platform, with sensor units integrated into existing structural components. This eliminates the need for separate expensive monitoring systems while providing comprehensive soil characteristic data to protect crop yields and prevent machinery damage through informed operational decisions
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 increased resolution and cost-effectiveness by accurately measuring soil characteristics in real-time, enhancing crop yields and extending the lifespan of agricultural machinery by providing precise data on soil conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A first sensor unit is arranged on a sensing surface of the disc member, wherein the first sensor unit is configured to measure forces acting on the disc member
Implementation Method 2
A second sensor unit is arranged on the elongate shaft, wherein the second sensor unit is configured to measure forces acting on the shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor system (100) for determining soil characteristics is disclosed herein. The sensor system includes a ground engaging device (102) for coupling to an agricultural implement. The ground engaging device includes at least one disc member (204) having an aperture and an elongate shaft (200) extending through the aperture. A first sensor unit (104) is arranged on a sensing surface of the disc member and is configured to measure forces acting on the disc member. A second sensor unit (106) is arranged on the elongate shaft and is configured to measure forces acting on the shaft. A processor (108) is communicatively coupled to each of the first and second sensor units. The processor is configured to generate an output signal indicative of a soil characteristic based on the forces measured.