Residue Coverage Sensor for Dynamic Seed Placement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in residue coverage across agricultural fields leads to inaccuracies in seed depth, pressure, and application rate, resulting in reduced crop yields due to inconsistent down pressure and seed distribution.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes sensors to monitor residue coverage in real-time, providing data to a controller which adjusts the agricultural product application system's down pressure, penetration depth, and seed application rate based on the residue coverage percentage and evenness, ensuring optimal seed placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fixed down pressure and seed application rate are used, then the seeding system operates simply, but seed placement accuracy deteriorates due to varying residue coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of down pressure and seed application rate based on real-time residue coverage detection. The system transitions from fixed parameters to variable parameters that adapt to changing field conditions, using sensors to detect residue levels and automatically adjust seeding parameters to maintain optimal seed placement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor residue coverage and provide data to the control system, which then adjusts down pressure and application rate accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that seed placement accuracy is maintained by constantly adapting to the actual field conditions rather than relying on predetermined settings
2Productivity
If uniform seed application rate is applied, then the seeding process is simple, but crop yield deteriorates due to inconsistent residue coverage affecting seed-to-soil contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by varying the seed application rate according to local residue coverage conditions. Different sections of the field receive different application rates based on their specific residue levels, ensuring that areas with heavy residue receive more seeds while areas with light residue receive fewer seeds, thereby optimizing crop yield across the entire field
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the seed application rate parameter based on detected residue coverage. Instead of maintaining a constant application rate, the system adjusts this parameter in real-time according to field conditions, allowing optimal seed distribution that adapts to varying residue levels across different field zones
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of seeding parameters is used, then the system remains simple to operate, but seeding accuracy deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying residue conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting residue coverage and adjusting seeding parameters without requiring manual intervention. The seeding system serves itself by using its own sensors and control mechanisms to maintain optimal performance, eliminating the need for continuous operator adjustment while maintaining consistent seeding depth and accuracy
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 ensures accurate and consistent seed placement, improving crop yields by adapting to varying residue conditions, thereby enhancing the precision and efficiency of agricultural product application.
Implementation Method 1
receive a signal indicative of a residue coverage on a surface of an agricultural field from a sensor
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media comprising instructions configured to cause a processor to receive a signal indicative of a residue coverage on a surface of an agricultural field from a sensor, and the sensor is positioned in front of a row unit of an agricultural product application system relative to a direction of travel. Further, the instructions are configured to cause the processor to determine the residue coverage on the surface of the agricultural field based on the signal, and the residue coverage includes a percentage of the agricultural field that is covered by residue, an evenness of the residue, or a combination thereof. Moreover, the instructions are configured to cause the processor to control an agricultural product control system of the agricultural product application system based on the residue coverage.