Intercrop Planter Control for Multi-Genotype Seed Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural seeding machines require significant force to create seed trenches, especially in compacted soils, and are limited in their ability to plant multiple seed genotypes simultaneously with precision and varying depths.
Innovation Solution
A multi-variety planter system equipped with a controller that generates planting maps based on georeferenced field information and plant genotype data, allowing for precise interplanting of multiple seed genotypes at varying depths and patterns, using a seeding system that creates discrete holes rather than trenches, reducing the force required and enabling simultaneous planting of different seeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If furrow opening discs are used to create seed trenches, then seeds can be placed in the soil, but a large amount of force is required especially in compacted soils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous trench creation process into discrete hole creation events. Instead of using a furrow opening disc that creates a continuous trench requiring large force, the system uses individual hole creators that make separate holes at specific locations, significantly reducing the force needed at any given moment while maintaining planting productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical furrow opening disc system with an alternative mechanical system using hole creators that punch or drill discrete holes. This substitution changes the mechanical approach from cutting a continuous trench to creating individual holes, reducing the force requirement especially in compacted soils
2Length of moving object
If furrow opening discs are used to create seed trenches, then seeds can be placed in the soil, but a large minimum distance is required between the rows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the planting process into discrete hole creation events rather than continuous trench formation. This allows for more flexible spacing configurations and enables closer row distances compared to furrow opening discs, improving field area utilization while maintaining proper seed placement
3Adaptability or versatility
If a seed mix with fixed ratio is used for cocktail seeding, then multiple seeds can be planted together, but the planting depth is limited to a single depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seed delivery system into separate hoppers for different seed genotypes, each with its own seed meter and delivery mechanism. This allows different seed types to be delivered to different depths simultaneously, providing depth adaptability while maintaining the productivity of planting multiple seeds in a single pass
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the depth dimension to the planting operation by providing independent depth control for different seed genotypes. Instead of planting all seeds at a single depth, the system varies planting depth across different seed types while maintaining simultaneous planting capability
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional seeding machines are used, then planting can be performed, but precision control of seed placement and pattern is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses GPS guidance and pre-programmed planting patterns to determine exact seed placement locations before planting begins. This preliminary positioning action enables precise seed placement by guiding the hole creators to predetermined coordinates, achieving manufacturing precision without excessive system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates GPS tracking and control systems that provide feedback on the planter's location and orientation. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustment of seed placement to maintain precision, with the controller monitoring and correcting positioning errors while managing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A field planting system for planting seeds of at least two plant genotypes in a field includes a multi-variety planter operable to plant the seeds of the at least two plant genotypes in the field. The field planting system also includes a controller in operable communication with the multi-variety planter. The controller is configured to receive georeferenced field information for the field and plant information for the at least two plant genotypes, and generate a planting map for the field based on the georeferenced field information and the plant information, the planting map including a planting pattern for interplanting the seeds of the at least two plant genotypes. The controller is further configured to monitor a location of the multi-variety planter in the field, and control the multi-variety planter to plant the seeds of the at least two plant genotypes in the field according to the planting map.