Row Unit Seed Delivery Control for Precise Planting Locations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural planting machines face challenges in achieving precise seed placement due to irregularities in seed metering and delivery systems, leading to deviations in seed spacing and yield potential, despite the use of high-accuracy seed meters.
Innovation Solution
A control system for agricultural machines that includes a seeding system with row units configured to meter and deliver seeds, and a control system to identify seed planting locations, generate machine paths, and control each row unit to deliver seeds accurately, using seed sensors and motor control to track and position seeds for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional seed metering and delivery systems are used, then the machine structure remains simple, but seed placement precision deteriorates due to irregularities in seed metering and delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by identifying all seed planting locations before the planting operation begins, generating a complete map of where seeds should be placed. This advance planning allows the control system to know exactly where each seed needs to go, enabling precise placement while managing complexity through pre-computed trajectories and position assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the actual position of the planting machine and the status of seed delivery, comparing it with the target planting locations. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustments to maintain precision despite variations in machine speed, seed size, or external conditions, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-accuracy seed meters are used, then seed spacing control improves, but seed wastage increases due to irregularities that require compensatory measures
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs seed sensors that detect the actual presence and position of seeds as they are being delivered, allowing the system to self-correct and identify missed planting locations. This self-monitoring capability enables the system to distinguish between intentional skip-spacing and actual seed delivery failures, reducing unnecessary seed replacement and wastage while maintaining precise spacing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical seed counting and spacing mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. This substitution allows for more precise control of seed spacing through electronic timing and position control rather than purely mechanical means, reducing seed wastage by accurately delivering seeds only where needed based on real-time position data.
3Manufacturing precision
If assistive seed delivery systems are used, then seed delivery control improves, but energy consumption increases due to active capture and physical movement of seeds
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies partial action by selectively activating assistive seed delivery mechanisms only when and where needed, rather than continuously operating them across the entire field. The system determines which specific planting locations require assistive delivery based on the target planting model and actual seed delivery status, energizing the system only for those specific instances, thus reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining precise delivery control where necessary.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural machine (100; 200) is disclosed. The agricultural machine comprising: a seeding system (202; 716) comprising a plurality of row units (106), each row unit (106) configured to meter and deliver seed; and a control system (700) configured to: obtain a seed planting model that identifies a plurality of seed planting locations (744) on a worksite; identify a machine path on the worksite; identify, based on the machine path, a set of the seed planting locations (744) for each of the row units (106); and control each row unit (106) to deliver seeds to the set of seed planting locations (744) identified for the row unit (106). Furthermore, a method performed by said agricultural machine (100, 200) is disclosed.