Intercrop Planting Control for Variable-Depth Multi-Genotype Seeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural seeding machines face challenges in efficiently planting seeds of different genotypes at varying depths and in compacted soils, requiring high force and resulting in large row distances.
Innovation Solution
A multi-variety planter system equipped with a controller that generates a planting map based on georeferenced field information and plant genotype details, allowing for precise interplanting of seeds at different depths and in varying soil conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If furrow opening discs are used to create seed trenches, then seeds can be placed at desired depth, but a large amount of force is required especially in compacted soils and at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trench creation function from the seed placement system by using a separate openers that create narrow slots rather than wide furrows. This separation allows the seed placement mechanism to work with minimal soil displacement, reducing the force required while maintaining precise depth control through the slot opener design and seed metering system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the soil disruption by using narrow slot openers instead of wide furrow openers. This parameter change in the geometry of soil displacement reduces the volume of soil moved and the force required, while the controlled depth of the slot and seed placement mechanism maintains the desired seed placement precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If furrow opening discs are used to create trenches, then seeds can be placed in trenches, but a large minimum distance is required between rows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wide furrow creation function and replaces it with narrow slot opening, which requires minimal space between rows. The seed placement function is maintained through precise metering and deposition into these narrow slots, allowing row spacing to be reduced while still achieving proper seed placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the planting system by using narrow slot openers instead of wide furrow openers. This parameter change in the width of soil disruption allows for reduced row spacing while maintaining the ability to place seeds at the correct depth and position within each slot.
3Ease of operation
If a seed mix with fixed ratio is used for cocktail seeding, then planting can be done at a single depth, but seeds of different genotypes cannot be planted at varying depths or patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seed delivery system into separate hoppers and metering mechanisms for different seed genotypes, each capable of independent depth control. This segmentation allows different seed types to be planted at different depths and in different patterns while maintaining the ability to operate at a single depth when needed, providing both ease of operation and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of seed placement depth for different genotypes through independently adjustable metering mechanisms and depth control systems. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt planting depth and patterns for each seed type while maintaining coordinated operation, enabling both fixed-ratio simple planting and complex variable-depth intercropping strategies.
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.