Implement Illumination Layout for Low-Light Tool-to-Soil Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements face challenges in low light conditions, leading to reduced visibility and accuracy of optical sensors, as existing illumination devices do not provide adequate under-bar illumination of the tool-to-soil interface, and power limitations from towing vehicles can overload the system.
Innovation Solution
An implement illumination system with low voltage devices that illuminate the tool-to-soil interface, powered by the towing vehicle or an on-board power supply, and can be controlled individually or in groups from the operator's compartment, providing row-by-row and rank-by-rank illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If additional illumination devices are placed on the implement, then visibility of the tool-to-soil interface is improved, but the power system on the towing vehicle becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple independently controllable illumination devices positioned at different locations on the implement. Each device can be controlled individually or in groups, allowing selective activation based on operational needs. This segmentation enables the system to provide comprehensive illumination of the tool-to-soil interface while managing power consumption through targeted rather than universal illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination devices are equipped with independent control mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of which devices are active based on operational conditions. The system can switch between different illumination configurations (individual devices, groups, or all devices) depending on the working requirements and power availability, creating a flexible power management strategy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If illumination devices are manually actuated on the implement, then control flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inaccessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic control capabilities where the illumination devices can be managed without requiring the operator to physically access the implement. Through remote control from the towing vehicle or automatic activation based on operational parameters, the system serves itself, eliminating the need for manual intervention at the implement level while maintaining full control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the illumination devices. This intermediary can be a remote control interface on the towing vehicle or an automatic control algorithm that translates operational conditions into illumination control decisions, allowing the operator to control illumination devices from a comfortable and accessible location.
3Extent of automation
If optical sensors are used for semi-autonomous operation, then automation level is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates in low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination devices are positioned and configured to provide preliminary lighting of the tool-to-soil interface before optical sensors need to operate. This advance illumination ensures that the sensing area is consistently lit regardless of ambient light conditions, allowing optical sensors to maintain high measurement precision during semi-autonomous or autonomous operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Illumination is provided specifically at the locations where optical sensors need to operate, rather than uniformly across the entire implement. The illumination devices are strategically positioned to create localized bright zones that match the sensor fields of view, ensuring high measurement precision only where needed while conserving power.
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
Enhances visibility for operators and improves the accuracy of optical sensors by ensuring even illumination of the tool-to-soil interface, allowing for better operation in low light conditions without overloading the towing vehicle's power system.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination devices may include downwardly directed lights that provide illumination of the tool-to-soil interface
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural system (100) is disclosed. The agricultural system (100) comprising: a towed implement (101, 204, 250, 270, 300) having a frame (106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 210) and a set of ground engaging tools (112, 230, 240, 242, 278), mounted to the frame (106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 210), the set of ground engaging tools (112, 230, 240, 242, 278) engaging the ground at a tool-to-soil interface; an illumination device (113, 231, 233, 235, 264, 282, 338, 350, 352, 354), mounted to the frame (106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 210), oriented to direct illumination to the tool-to-soil interface; and a communication link (302) coupled to the towed agricultural implement (101, 204, 250, 270, 300) and configured to receive illumination device control signals from a towing vehicle (10) to control a state of the illumination device (113, 231, 233, 235, 264, 282, 338, 350, 352, 354) based on an operator input.