Seed Hopper Profile Monitoring for Consistent Particulate Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring the profile of particulate material in agricultural seeding implements is challenging due to sensor plugging, coating, and clumping, leading to inaccurate measurements and inconsistent flow, which affects crop yield.
Innovation Solution
A compartment monitoring and control system with sensors and a controller that determine the profile and volumetric rate of change of particulate material, adjusting the metering system to maintain consistent distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors (mechanical or electrical conductivity) are used to monitor particulate material profile, then the monitoring function is provided, but the sensors become plugged with dust or dirt or coated with particulate material leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensors and electrical conductivity sensors with an optical sensing system using a camera and image processing. This substitution eliminates the plugging and coating issues inherent in mechanical and electrical sensors, as the optical sensor non-contactingly measures the particulate material profile by capturing images and comparing them against graduated markings in the storage compartment.
2Productivity
If sensors are used to monitor particulate material profile, then distribution control is enabled, but the particulate material clumps in the storage tank causing inconsistent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the camera continuously monitors the particulate material profile, the controller compares the measured profile against desired profile criteria, and the system adjusts metering system operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback prevents clumping by maintaining optimal material levels and flow conditions, ensuring consistent particulate material delivery to row units throughout the seeding operation.
3Measurement precision
If accurate profile monitoring is implemented, then consistent flow control is achieved, but the system complexity increases with additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to create optical copies (images) of the particulate material profile and graduated markings, then processes these image copies to determine profile measurements. This approach avoids complex mechanical measurement mechanisms while achieving precise monitoring through digital image analysis, reducing overall system complexity despite adding electronic components.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage compartment profile monitoring and control system for an agricultural system may include at least one sensor configured to output sensor signals indicative of a corresponding series of images of particulate material within a storage compartment and at least one graduated marking on the storage compartment during a period of operation of a metering system and a controller comprising a memory and a processor. The controller is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and configured to receive the sensor signals from the at least one sensor to determine a series of profiles of the particulate material within the storage compartment based on the series of images. The controller also determines a volumetric rate of change of the particulate material based on the series of profiles and control controls the metering system based on the change.