Planter Seed-Discharge Spoon with Infrared Detection for Block Seeds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing potato seeding technologies face challenges with precision seeding of block seeds due to poor seed-clearing and replanting effects, leading to reseeding and missing seeds, particularly with irregularly shaped seed potatoes that have a poor reflective surface, causing misdetection and inefficient replantation.
Innovation Solution
A planter design incorporating a seed-discharge spoon with a seed-picking groove and active infrared photoelectric sensors for dynamic monitoring, combined with a control mechanism that automatically replants seeds in a timely manner using a seed-return tube and push rods, ensuring accurate and efficient seed placement without the need for a separate replanting box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-shot infrared photoelectric sensor is used to detect seed potatoes, then the detection structure is simple, but the detection precision deteriorates due to poor reflective performance of cut seed potatoes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple sensors: a first photoelectric sensor for initial detection and a second photoelectric sensor for verification. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the limitations of a single sensor by cross-validating detections, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit receives signals from both the first and second photoelectric sensors. When the first sensor detects a seed potato, the system activates the second sensor for verification. This feedback loop ensures that only confirmed seed potatoes trigger replanting actions, significantly improving detection accuracy despite the simple sensor structures used.
2Device complexity
If seed potatoes rely on self-weight to slide and fall between seed spoons, then the replanting mechanism is simple, but the replanting precision and timing deteriorate due to long sliding time and blockage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the replanting hole and seed potato in advance. The control unit detects when a seed potato is present on the seed discharge spoon and pre-positions the replanting mechanism accordingly. This allows the seed potato to be replanted immediately at the correct location without relying on slow gravitational sliding, thereby improving replanting precision and timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical gravitational sliding system with a control-based system. Instead of relying on seed potatoes to naturally slide to the correct position, the control unit uses photoelectric sensor detection to trigger the replanting mechanism at the precise moment, substituting mechanical timing with electronic control for higher precision.
3Force
If a vibration motor is used for seed-clearing, then the seed-clearing action is strong, but the seed-clearing process becomes uncontrollable and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the uncontrollable vibration motor from the seed-clearing process and replaces it with a controlled mechanical clearing mechanism. The seed-clearing function is achieved through the design of the seed discharge spoon and associated mechanical structures that passively and controllably remove excess seed potatoes, eliminating the randomness of vibration-based clearing while maintaining effective seed-clearing force.
4Device complexity
If the seed-discharge spoon structure is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the seed-clearing and replanting effects deteriorate leading to more missing seeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the seed discharge spoon structure: seed storage, seed clearing, and replanting capability are integrated into a single component system. The seed discharge spoon includes a seed-picking groove for holding seeds, a seed-clearing crossbeam for removing excess seeds, and integration with the replanting mechanism. This merging achieves reliable seed-clearing and replanting effects while maintaining relatively simple overall device complexity.
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 planter achieves self-clearing and timely replanting of block seeds, reducing reseeding and missing seed issues, with a simple structure and efficient seed detection, storage, and replantation, suitable for small spaces like hilly areas.
Implementation Method 1
active infrared photoelectric sensors for dynamic monitoring
Implementation Method 2
active infrared photoelectric sensors
Implementation Method 3
the seed potatoes slide and fall between seed spoons by relying on the self-weight of the seed potatoes
Data Source
AI summary
A planter suitable for block seeds that relates to the technical field of agricultural seeding machinery is disclosed. The planter includes a frame, a fertilizing tank, a fertilizing box, a seeding mechanism, a control mechanism, a seed box, a ridging mechanism, land wheels, a seeding furrower, a fertilizing furrower, a seed-clearing mechanism, and a replanting mechanism. The fertilizing tank, the fertilizing furrower, the fertilizing box, the seeding furrower, the seeding mechanism, the land wheels, the control mechanism, the seed box, and the ridging mechanism are mounted in turn from one end to the other end of the frame. A photoelectric sensor of an active infrared intrusion detector is adopted to dynamically monitor the presence of the seed potatoes on a seed-discharge spoon in a conveying process. Seeds are replanted with the control mechanism when the seeds are sowed with an empty spoon.