Plough Controller Image Processing for Furrow Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ploughing technologies face challenges in achieving uniformity and efficiency in furrow formation and soil preparation due to limitations in adjusting working depth and lateral operating characteristics, particularly in reversible ploughs, which can lead to reduced crop yields and increased wear on components.

Innovation Solution

A controller system that processes images of the plough in operation to determine lateral and vertical operating characteristics, enabling automatic adjustment of actuator controls to optimize ploughing performance, including working width, furrow width, and depth, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of the ploughing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of plough depth and lateral characteristics is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but uniformity of furrow formation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of furrow formationVSAvoidmanual adjustment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated optical measurement and control system. Image processing technology captures real-time positions of plough components and calculates lateral operating characteristics, substituting human visual estimation and manual adjustment with automated digital measurement and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by capturing images of the plough in operation, processing these images to determine lateral operating characteristics, and using this information to control plough depth and lateral position. This closed-loop feedback ensures uniform furrow formation while maintaining operational precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed depth wheel positioning is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying soil conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment to soil density variationsVSAvoiddepth control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed depth wheel positioning into a dynamic, adjustable system. The depth wheel's lateral position can be varied based on soil density conditions, allowing the plough to adapt to different ground conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimal performance across varying soil types while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If rigid attachment of plough bodies to main frame is used, then structural stability is maintained, but working depth adjustability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking depth consistencyVSAvoiddepth adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical depth adjustment mechanisms with an optical measurement and digital control system. Image processing technology precisely measures the lateral position of depth wheels and calculates the resulting working depth, providing accurate depth control without requiring complex mechanical adjustment devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4311409A1A controller for a plough, a plough system and associated methods

Publication Date: 2024.01.31 OVERUM IND AB

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AI summary

A controller (552) for a plough (10). The controller (552) configured to: receive an image (551) of the plough (10) when it is working a field; process the received image to determine one or more lateral operating characteristics of the plough (10); and determine a control signal (553) for an actuator (554) that is associated with the plough (10), based on the determined one or more lateral operating characteristics.