Seed Disc Index Tracking for Planting Consistency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural seed placement errors, such as irregular spacing and metering issues, result in yield-robbing events that lead to reduced crop productivity and economic losses, as existing systems lack real-time monitoring capabilities to correct seed placement quality during planting.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a seed disc with a drive module and sensor to determine seed discharge timing and velocity, calculating a seed disc index to assess seed spacing information, enabling real-time monitoring and correction of seed placement errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring of seed placement is implemented, then seed placement quality can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with electronic sensors and digital processing. Seed sensors detect seed discharge events electronically, and a controller processes signals to determine spacing, substituting mechanical measurement methods with electronic equivalents that are more precise and easier to integrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting seed discharge, determining spacing between seeds, identifying placement errors, and providing feedback to operators. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated unit, reducing overall complexity while maintaining precision.
2Productivity
If near real-time data collection on seed discharge is implemented, then productivity can be improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sampling of seed discharge events rather than continuous monitoring. The seed sensors trigger on discrete seed passage events, and the controller processes data in near real-time batches, allowing the system to maintain productivity benefits while reducing energy consumption compared to truly continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the existing mechanical motion of the seed disc and planter components to provide timing references for seed discharge. The rotation of the seed disc itself serves as a clock reference, eliminating the need for separate high-power timing systems and reducing overall energy requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and device for displaying spacing information of discharged seeds. A seed disc may be configured to rotate at a disc velocity to discharge seeds. A seed sensor may be configured to generate a first signal indicative of a discharge time of a seed. A drive module may be operably coupled to the seed disc and may be configured to generate a second signal indicative of the disc velocity of the seed disc. A discharge time for the discharged seeds may be determined based on the first signal and/or the disc velocity of the seed disc may be determined based on the second signal. A seed disc index may be determined for discharged seeds based on the disc velocity of the seed disc and the discharge time for the seed. Spacing information may be determined for the seeds by comparing the determined seed disc indexes.