Agricultural Metering System Density-Based Calibration

Solution Overview

Problem

The calibration of material distribution systems in agricultural seeding implements is time-consuming and often inaccurate, leading to potentially reduced yields and less than optimal application rates due to the reliance on manual calibration steps.

Innovation Solution

A controller system that determines the density of the material in the storage tank using weight and volume measurements, allowing for automated calibration of the metering system and adjustment of air flow to achieve precise target application rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration steps are used for the metering system, then the calibration can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration steps with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to determine material density and calculate calibration factors. The system automatically measures material properties and computes the relationship between volumetric and weight-based metering without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving both accuracy and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The metering system performs self-calibration by automatically measuring its own material flow characteristics using integrated sensors and processors. The system determines its calibration factors through automated density measurements and calculations, eliminating the need for external manual calibration procedures and enabling the system to calibrate itself rapidly and accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual calibration steps are used for the metering system, then the calibration can be performed, but the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration speedVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration steps with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to determine material density and calculate calibration factors. The system automatically measures material properties and computes the relationship between volumetric and weight-based metering without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving both accuracy and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automated measurements of material density and flow characteristics before actual metering operations begin. By pre-determining calibration factors through automated density measurements and calculations, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual calibration procedures during field operations, thereby increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If non-accurate calibration is used, then the metering system can operate, but the application rates are not optimal leading to reduced yields

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveyieldVSAvoidapplication rate accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously measure material flow characteristics and density, and the processor uses this information to automatically adjust calibration factors and metering rates. This closed-loop feedback ensures that application rates remain accurate and optimal throughout operation, directly improving yield by preventing both under-application and over-application of materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration steps with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to determine material density and calculate calibration factors. The system automatically measures material properties and computes the relationship between volumetric and weight-based metering without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving both accuracy and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach enables efficient and accurate material distribution by automating the calibration process, reducing manual intervention and improving yield consistency by ensuring precise application rates across the field.

Implementation Method 1

determining, via the controller, a density of the material in the storage tank using the weight of the material in the storage tank and the volume of the material in the storage tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity measurement:

Implementation Method 2

The air stream carries the agricultural material to the row units via conduits extending between the air cart and the seeding implement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir stream transport:

Implementation Method 3

The agricultural material is typically gravity fed from the storage tank to the metering system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity feeding: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

meter rollers that regulate the flow of the agricultural material based on meter roller geometry and rotation rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMeter roller regulation:

Data Source

PatentUS12075720B2System and method for operating a material metering system of an agricultural implement

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 CNH IND CANADA

AI summary

A method for controlling a material flow rate from a metering system of an agricultural system includes receiving at a controller, a weight of a material in a storage tank. The method also includes receiving, at the controller, a volume of the material in the storage tank. The method also includes determining, via the controller, a density of the material in the storage tank using the weight of the material in the storage tank and the volume of the material in the storage tank. The method further includes determining, via the controller, a calibration of the metering system based on the density of the material in the storage tank.