Seed Placement Sensing Using Dielectric-Coated Seeds After Furrow Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed placement monitoring systems in planting implements, such as planters, are unable to accurately determine seed depth or spacing within the soil due to seeds bouncing, rolling, or landing off-target, and cannot detect displacement during furrow closure.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving seeds coated or treated with a dielectric coating or treatment having a higher dielectric property than the seeds, combined with a seed placement sensor, such as ground-penetrating radar, to detect seeds post-furrow closure and determine seed placement parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a seed tube sensor is used to detect seeds before deposition, then seed-related parameters such as seeding rate can be estimated, but seed placement parameters such as seed depth and spacing cannot be accurately determined because seeds may bounce, roll, or land off-target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by coating seeds with dielectric material before planting. This pre-treatment enhances the seeds' detectability by sensors after deposition, allowing accurate measurement of seed placement parameters (depth, spacing) even though the seeds have already been deposited and may have bounced or rolled. The coating is applied in advance to ensure seeds can be detected post-deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dielectric parameter of seeds by coating them with materials having different dielectric properties than the surrounding soil. This parameter change enables sensors to distinguish seeds from soil moisture and accurately detect seed placement parameters after deposition, resolving the issue of information loss that occurs with uncoated seeds.
2Measurement precision
If seeds are coated with dielectric coating or treated with dielectric treatment, then detectability of seeds in moist or clay-rich soils is improved, but device complexity or manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dielectric coating material as an intermediary substance between the seed and the sensor detection process. This coating layer mediates the interaction between the seed and electromagnetic signals, enhancing detectability without requiring complex sensor systems. The coating acts as a simple, effective intermediary that bridges the gap between seed and detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the dielectric parameter of seeds through coating or treatment, creating a detectable contrast with surrounding soil. This parameter change enables simple sensor systems to accurately detect seeds in various soil conditions, avoiding the need for complex manufacturing while improving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If ground-penetrating radar is used to detect seeds after furrow closure, then accurate seed depth and spacing can be determined, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dielectric parameter of seeds to enhance their reflectivity or interaction with electromagnetic signals. This parameter modification allows simpler, less expensive sensors to detect seeds accurately after furrow closure, reducing the need for complex ground-penetrating radar systems while maintaining measurement precision for seed depth and spacing.
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
Enhances the ability to accurately monitor seed depth, spacing, and population by improving the detectability of seeds in moist or clay-rich soils, enabling real-time adjustments and improved planting accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The seeds are coated seeds that are coated with a coating having a coating dielectric property that is greater than a dielectric property of the seeds without the coating
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring seed placement within the ground during the performance of a planting operation with a planting implement includes a row unit of that has a furrow opening assembly configured to create a furrow in the soil and a furrow closing assembly configured to close the furrow after the seeds have been deposited therein. Each seed is treated with a treatment applied after the seed is received within a component of the planting implement and before the furrow is closed around the seed, the treatment having a treatment dielectric property that is greater than a dielectric property of the seeds without the treatment. Additionally, the system includes a computing system configured to determine a seed placement parameter associated with the seeds as treated and planted underneath the surface of the soil based on data generated by a seed placement sensor supported relative to the row unit.