Press Wheel Sensor Integration for Accurate Seed Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural planting implements lack accurate sensors to monitor seed placement and field parameters due to seeds bouncing or rolling off-target and displacement during furrow closing, as current seed tube sensors only detect seeds before deposition.

Innovation Solution

Integrate sensors within the press wheel assembly of agricultural implements, such as planters, to monitor seed placement and field parameters by positioning them within the internal cavity of the press wheel, allowing detection of seeds at their final resting position in the soil.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor is positioned in the seed tube to detect seeds before deposition, then seed detection is possible, but measurement precision of seed placement parameters deteriorates because seeds may bounce, roll, or land off-target after deposition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed placement parameterVSAvoidseed placement information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is repositioned from the seed tube (above-ground dimension) to the press wheel assembly (below-ground dimension), changing the spatial dimension of detection. This allows the sensor to detect seeds at their final resting position in the furrow rather than before deposition, eliminating the information loss caused by seed movement after deposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If a sensor is integrated within the press wheel assembly, then measurement precision of seed placement is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed placement parameterVSAvoidwheel assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is merged with the press wheel assembly, combining the monitoring function with the existing soil-firming structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting structures and reduces overall system complexity while achieving accurate seed placement measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The press wheel assembly serves dual functions: its original function of firming soil around seeds and the new function of housing a sensor for seed placement monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If a sensor is exposed to detect seeds and soil conditions, then detection capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to contamination from soil and debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield parameterVSAvoidsensor operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The press wheel assembly acts as an intermediary structure that houses the sensor, providing physical protection from soil and debris while allowing the sensor to detect field parameters. The wheel structure shields the sensor from direct contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The press wheel assembly provides a protective enclosure for the sensor, acting as a shell that shields sensitive components from contaminants while allowing necessary detection functions to occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12471517B2Wheel assembly with integrated sensor for an agriculutral implement

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

In one aspect, a wheel assembly configured for use with an agricultural implement. The wheel assembly includes a wheel comprising an outer ground-engaging element and an inner hub extending radially inwardly from the outer ground-engaging element. The wheel defines an internal cavity radially inwardly relative to the outer ground-engaging element. The wheel assembly further includes a sensor positioned within the internal cavity of the press wheel.