Gauge Wheel Position Sensing for Consistent Furrow Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual adjustment of gauge wheel positions in planting implements is time-consuming and prone to oversight, leading to inconsistent furrow depths and potential yield loss.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a gauge sensor assembly with a rotational sensor and linkage arms to automatically determine and adjust the position of gauge wheels, using a computing system to monitor and control the gauge wheel positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of gauge wheels is used, then the operator can set the furrow depth, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone with increasing numbers of row units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection process with an automated optical sensing system. The sensor assembly captures images of the gauge wheel position, and a processing system automatically determines the position from these images, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-inspection by automatically capturing and analyzing its own gauge wheel position data. The imaging system and processing algorithm work together to autonomously monitor and record the position of each gauge wheel without requiring operator intervention.
2Reliability
If manual adjustment of gauge wheels is used, then the operator can set the furrow depth, but sudden changes in gauge wheel position may be missed until the next inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The automated imaging system continuously or frequently captures gauge wheel position data during operation, providing continuous monitoring rather than periodic manual checks. This ensures that any sudden changes in gauge wheel position are immediately detected and recorded.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback by automatically detecting and recording gauge wheel position changes. The processing system analyzes the captured images and can alert the operator or automatically adjust the planting mechanism when position deviations are detected, ensuring consistent furrow depth.
3Productivity
If the number of row units is increased to cover more field area, then the planting productivity improves, but the time required to check each gauge wheel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection with automated optical sensing and image processing. Each row unit is equipped with or monitored by a sensor assembly that automatically captures and processes gauge wheel position data, eliminating the time required for manual checking regardless of the number of row units.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging and processing system serves multiple row units simultaneously or in rapid succession. A single processing system can analyze data from multiple gauge wheels, providing universal monitoring capability that scales with the number of row units without proportionally increasing inspection time.
Data Source
AI summary
A row unit for a seed-planting implement includes a frame and a disk opener supported relative to the frame and configured to form a furrow within a field. The row unit further includes a gauge wheel arm supported relative to the frame, and a gauge wheel coupled to the gauge wheel arm. Additionally, the row unit includes a sensor assembly having a rotational sensor, a first sensor arm, and a second sensor arm. A proximal end of the first sensor arm is coupled to the rotational sensor, a proximal end of the second sensor arm is coupled to a distal end of the first sensor arm, and a distal end of the second sensor arm is coupled to the gauge wheel arm. The rotational sensor is configured to generate data indicative of a position of the gauge wheel arm based on movement of the first sensor arm.