Seed Level Detection Using Outflow Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seeding machines lack efficient and cost-effective methods for detecting seed levels in supply containers, often resulting in gaps in the sown crop stand and requiring time-consuming manual checks, with existing solutions either issuing warnings too late or being overly costly.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a data entry device for receiving fill level data and an outflow sensor to calculate the current seed amount in the supply container, sending a warning when the seed level falls below a predetermined amount, eliminating the need for separate fill level sensors and allowing timely refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate fill level sensors are installed in each supply container, then the detection precision of seed level is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fill level detection function with the existing outflow sensor that is already present in the seeding machine. Instead of using separate fill level sensors, the system merges the detection of remaining seed quantity with the measurement of seed consumption, utilizing the same sensor infrastructure for both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The outflow sensor serves dual functions: it measures both the seed consumption rate and the remaining seed quantity in the supply container. The sensor essentially monitors itself by tracking the cumulative outflow, eliminating the need for additional dedicated fill level sensing components.
2Reliability
If separate fill level sensors are installed in each supply container, then the reliability of seed level monitoring is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single outflow sensor system, combining fill level detection with consumption monitoring. This integration maintains monitoring reliability by using the same sensor to track both seed usage and remaining quantity, while avoiding the complexity and cost of multiple separate sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The outflow sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures seed consumption rate, calculates remaining seed quantity, and provides fill level warnings. This multi-functionality ensures reliable monitoring while reducing the number of components needed in the system.
3Device complexity
If manual checking of supply containers is performed, then the cost of the system is reduced, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback by continuously monitoring seed consumption through the outflow sensor and calculating remaining quantities. The computer provides real-time information to the operator about seed levels in each supply container, eliminating the need for manual checking while maintaining system simplicity through software-based monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system serves itself by automatically tracking seed consumption and calculating remaining quantities without requiring operator intervention. The computer device autonomously processes outflow sensor data and provides timely warnings, freeing the operator from manual checking tasks.
4Loss of substance
If warnings are issued only when seed level is very low, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to late detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of remaining seed quantity based on outflow measurements before the supply container is actually depleted. By continuously tracking consumption and projecting remaining capacity, the system provides advance warning to the operator, enabling timely refilling action and preventing gaps in the crop stand.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer continuously receives feedback from the outflow sensor and calculates remaining seed quantities in real-time. This ongoing feedback mechanism allows the system to provide timely warnings at optimal refilling points, balancing the prevention of seed waste with adequate advance notice for operator response.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for detection of the amount of material in a supply container of a machine for application of material to a field comprises a data entry device for receiving fill level data concerning an amount of material present in the supply container at a specific time point and an outflow sensor for detection of the amount of material that has flowed out of the supply container. A computer device connected to the data entry device and outflow sensor, the computing device is programmed to calculate the current amount of material in the supply container using the obtained fill level data and the signals of the outflow sensor obtained after the specific time point, and to issue a warning signal if the amount of material in the supply container goes below a predetermined level.