Piezoelectric Sensor Granular Distribution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed drill distribution systems face challenges in accurately monitoring and controlling the application rate of granular materials, particularly due to issues with optical sensors' reliability and humidity interference, and the need for precise dosing to ensure uniform distribution and optimal crop emergence.
Innovation Solution
A distribution device equipped with piezoelectric sensor units that detect grains in the air flow, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of the air and grain volume flow, enabling precise adjustment of grain flow rates and distribution patterns through controllable valves, ensuring uniform application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to detect grains in the air flow, then grain detection capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to failure and inaccurate detection with increased humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensors with piezoelectric sensors that detect grains through mechanical impact. When grains strike the piezoelectric sensor surface, they generate electrical impulses that are processed to determine grain flow rate. This mechanical detection method eliminates the reliability issues of optical sensors in humid conditions while maintaining accurate grain detection capability.
2Reliability
If piezoelectric sensor units are used to detect grains, then reliability improves against humidity interference, but device complexity increases due to additional sensor units and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric sensor units are self-powered by the kinetic energy of the grains themselves. When grains impact the sensor surface, their mechanical energy is directly converted to electrical signals without requiring external power sources or complex electronics. This self-service mechanism reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability in humid environments.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring and control of air and grain volume flow is implemented, then manufacturing precision of distribution improves, but device complexity increases due to controllable valves and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where piezoelectric sensors continuously monitor grain flow rate and provide real-time signals to controllable valves. The valves automatically adjust air and grain volume flow based on sensor feedback to maintain precise distribution uniformity. This closed-loop feedback mechanism achieves high manufacturing precision while keeping the control system manageable through automated regulation.
4Measurement precision
If sensor units detect largely all grains in the air flow, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time occurs due to processing large volumes of sensor signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent processes sensor signals selectively rather than analyzing every single grain detection event. The evaluation unit focuses on detecting changes in grain flow rate patterns and regulatory states, processing only the essential information needed for control decisions. This partial processing approach maintains high measurement precision by capturing critical flow variations while significantly reducing time consumption compared to analyzing every individual grain signal.
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
The system provides reliable, precise monitoring and control of granular material distribution, ensuring optimal application rates and uniformity, which enhances crop emergence and reduces waste, while being resistant to humidity and mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor unit is arranged for detecting largely all grains of the distribution material carried in the air flow... The at least one sensor unit can work in particular according to a piezoelectric sensor principle and thereby detect all grains carried in the air flow and passing the sensor unit by mechanical action and generate corresponding sensor signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A distribution device (10) for granular material (24), in particular for granular seeds, fertilizer, or the like, is disclosed. The distribution device (10) comprises an air conveying unit (14) for generating an air volume flow, to which a metering unit (22) for the controllable allocation of the material (24) or seeds to the air volume flow is connected upstream or downstream. A distribution unit (28) serves to divide the air volume flow to a plurality of connecting lines (30), each leading to individual seed coulters. In the area of the distribution unit (28), a sensor unit (32) is arranged for the quantitative detection of virtually all granules of the material (24) carried in the air flow or in the respective partial flow. The sensor unit (32) is coupled via signal technology to a device (40) for varying an air and/or grain volume flow in the area of the distribution unit (28) and/or the connecting lines (30) downstream of it.The invention further comprises a method for the controlled application of granular material (24), in which the material (24) is metered into an airflow and fed to a distribution unit (28). In the distribution unit, the airflow carrying the material (28) is divided from at least one main or feed line (16, 26) to a plurality of connecting lines (30), each leading to individual seed coulters or other application devices for the material or seed located near or in the ground. Within the distribution unit (28) and/or within a connecting section (30) of at least one of the connecting lines (30) leading from the distribution unit (28), virtually all granules of the material (24) carried in the airflow or in the respective partial flow are quantitatively detected.Depending on the amount of grain detected, the air and/or grain volume flow in the area of the distribution unit (28) and/or the connecting lines (30) downstream of it and/or a passage cross-section (72) of the at least one connecting line (30) is varied.