Seed Counting Sensor Array Geometry and Series Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seed counting systems in planters face issues with dust and dirt accumulation, which can lead to false counts due to dust signals mimicking seed signals, and geometry-related inefficiencies in light source and sensor placement, resulting in incomplete monitoring and spurious reflections.
Innovation Solution
A seed counting apparatus with a light source and a set of light sensors arranged in a series configuration, where the sensors produce output signals proportional to the shadow of seeds, allowing for greater amplitude changes to distinguish seed passages from dust, and a geometric arrangement ensuring comprehensive monitoring with a point source and row of sensors across the duct.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light sensor is used to detect seeds in the duct, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to dust signals mimicking seed signals and causing false counts
Solution Approach 1:
The single light sensor is segmented into multiple phototransistors arranged in a row across the duct. Each phototransistor detects light intensity at a specific position, and the combined output provides spatial resolution to distinguish seeds from dust particles based on their different shadow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from a single-point detection to a multi-point linear array detection. By arranging phototransistors in a row transverse to the duct, the system adds spatial dimension to the detection, enabling differentiation between seeds (which cast broader shadows) and dust particles (which cast narrower shadows).
2Ease of manufacture
If the light source and sensor geometry is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incomplete monitoring and spurious reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an adjustable mounting bracket that allows the sensor array to be positioned at optimal angles and distances. This dynamic adjustability enables the sensors to be oriented perpendicular to the light beam for maximum detection efficiency while accommodating different duct geometries and installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is positioned and oriented to create a triangular detection zone with the light source, optimizing coverage of the duct cross-section. The local geometric arrangement ensures that light from the source passes through the duct and is detected by sensors positioned to minimize spurious reflections while maximizing seed shadow detection.
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 configuration enhances the ability to differentiate seed passages from dust signals, reducing false counts and ensuring reliable seed counting by utilizing the series connection of phototransistors to amplify the signal amplitude based on the darkest detector, thus providing a stronger and more accurate seed pulse.
Implementation Method 1
a light source and photo sensor which detect the passage of seeds by counting pulses generated by the momentary reduction in light intensity from the steady state intensity caused by the passage of a seed between the light source and the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A counter for seeds in a duct includes a first point source transmitter on a first mounting on one side of the duct spaced outwardly from the duct so as to project light through a front wall and a set of phototransistors in a transverse row carried on a second mounting on a rear wall. The side walls of the duct lie on a triangle with an apex at the light source. The phototransistors are connected in series so that the output current is determined by that phototransistor on which the majority of the shadow from the seed falls. In this way the momentary reduction in current output has a larger amplitude to better distinguish from dust in the duct. The duct is formed by a housing attached to the peripheral wall of the metering device with a seed transport tube attached to the bottom of the housing.