Multi-Wavelength Sensor for Seed and Particle Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements, such as air seeders, face challenges in accurately counting and distinguishing between different seeds or particles being applied, particularly when multiple products are used simultaneously, leading to difficulties in identifying blockages or imbalances in product distribution during application.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electrical control system with sensors that illuminate multiple light sources of different wavelengths to detect and analyze the reflectance or absorbance spectrum of products flowing through a product line, enabling the determination of product characteristics like color and ratio, thereby distinguishing between different types of seeds or particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical sensors with single wavelength light sources are used to detect seeds or particles, then the sensor structure is simple, but the ability to distinguish between different product types is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using multiple light sources with different wavelengths (e.g., 450nm blue, 530nm green, 630nm red, 850nm infrared) to illuminate the product line. Different seed and particle materials have distinct spectral reflectance and absorbance characteristics at these wavelengths, enabling the sensor to distinguish between multiple product types including seeds, fertilizer particles, and blockages based on their unique optical signatures
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple wavelength light sources and detectors into a single device that can simultaneously identify different product types, detect blockages, and provide real-time feedback for multiple distribution lines, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate single-wavelength sensors
2Productivity
If multiple products are applied simultaneously through the same product line, then productivity is improved, but the ability to accurately count and distinguish individual products deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses spectral parameter changes at multiple wavelengths to differentiate between co-flowing products. By analyzing the unique reflectance and absorbance patterns of different materials (seeds vs. fertilizer particles) across the electromagnetic spectrum, the sensor can simultaneously count and identify multiple product types in the same air stream without cross-contamination of measurement signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light interaction as an intermediary mechanism between the sensor and co-flowing products. Different materials interact uniquely with light at various wavelengths, creating distinct optical signatures that serve as mediators for identifying and counting each product type separately even when they physically occupy the same space in the product line
3Reliability
If traditional optical sensors are used to detect blockages, then the detection method is simple, but the response time and accuracy for identifying specific blockage types are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-wavelength optical parameter changes to rapidly identify blockage types. When a blockage occurs, the sensor immediately detects changes in light transmission and reflectance across multiple wavelengths, allowing the system to distinguish between different blockage materials (e.g., seed clumps vs. fertilizer buildup) and trigger appropriate responses without time-consuming manual inspection
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 solution allows for real-time monitoring and quick identification of application issues, enabling growers to adjust parameters and ensure accurate and balanced distribution of seeds or fertilizers during agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
detect and analyze the reflectance or absorbance spectrum of products
Implementation Method 2
detect and analyze the reflectance or absorbance spectrum of products
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an electrical control system (400, 450) comprises at least one sensor (800, 900) that is configured to illuminate multiple light sources (924, 926) with each light source having a different wavelength and to sense one or more products (832) flowing in a product line (822, 922) of an agricultural implement (10, 1240). Processing logic (416, 1226) is coupled to the at least one sensor and the processing logic is configured to obtain sensor data from the at least one sensor, to determine response signals for each product when illuminated based on the sensor data, and to analyze the response signals for each product to determine product characteristics including color of each product to distinguish each product.