Field Contour Sensing for Proactive Planting Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines face challenges in maintaining consistent operating depth or height relative to the field surface due to inaccurate and reactive field contour detection methods, leading to inefficiencies in planting, spraying, and harvesting operations.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural planting machine equipped with a field contour detection system that generates a three-dimensional point cloud based on in-situ sensor data from ground-engaging elements, allowing for precise control of operating depth or height through a control signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional field contour detection methods are used, then the system is simpler and easier to implement, but the measurement precision and reliability of field contour data are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (GPS receivers, inertial measurement units, depth sensors) into an integrated field contour detection system. The control system merges data from these different sensors to generate comprehensive field contour maps, achieving high measurement precision through multi-source data fusion while managing system complexity through integrated architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that processes raw sensor data from multiple sources and transforms it into accurate field contour information. This intermediary processing layer enables precise contour detection without requiring direct complex connections between all sensors, managing system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Productivity
If reactive field contour detection is used, then the system is simpler, but the productivity and operational efficiency are reduced due to inaccurate depth control
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary field contour detection and map generation before actual planting or spraying operations begin. By pre-mapping the field contours using sensor data during machine movement, the system enables proactive depth control adjustments, eliminating time losses during operational pauses and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously receives feedback from sensors regarding actual field contour conditions and automatically adjusts operating depth in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures consistent planting depth and spraying height without manual intervention, improving operational efficiency and reducing time losses from inaccurate depth control.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual depth control is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the manufacturing precision and consistency of operating depth are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated depth control where the control system autonomously adjusts operating parameters based on real-time sensor feedback from field contours. This eliminates the need for continuous manual adjustment while maintaining consistent planting depth and spraying height, achieving high manufacturing precision through self-regulating control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical depth control with an automated control system that uses sensor data and algorithms to manage operating depth. This substitution of mechanical/manual control with electronic and computational systems enables precise and consistent depth control while managing overall system complexity through integrated automation.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural planting machine includes a frame and a planting system supported on the frame and configured to plant seeds in a row. The planting system includes a ground-engaging element movable relative to the frame and configured to engage a ground surface of a field. A field contour detection system is configured to receive in-situ sensor data representing a location of the ground-engaging element, generate field contour data representing a contour of the ground surface based on the in-situ sensor data, and generate a control signal based on the field contour data.