Seed and Plant Sensors for Targeted Fluid and Solid Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural systems struggle to accurately determine seed placement in furrows and plant location in fields, leading to inconsistent application of fluids and solids relative to seeds and plants.
Innovation Solution
Implementing seed and plant sensors to detect seed and plant positions, allowing for precise targeting of fluid and solid applications using control devices such as valves or gates to apply materials in relation to the detected locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If seed sensors are implemented to detect seed placement, then manufacturing precision of seed positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical timing-based seed location determination with optical sensors that directly detect seed placement. This substitution allows for more precise measurement of seed position while the control system automatically processes the sensor data to determine furrow location, reducing the need for complex mechanical timing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the seed metering system and the fluid application system. These sensors serve as mediators that provide direct feedback on seed placement, enabling the control system to make accurate decisions about fluid application without requiring complex mechanical linkages or timing calculations.
2Loss of substance
If fluid application is targeted based on seed detection, then loss of substance is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors detect seed placement and provide real-time information to the control system, which then adjusts fluid application accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that materials are applied only where seeds are present, reducing waste while the high-precision sensors meet the measurement requirements for accurate targeting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical sensors and electronic control systems to replace less precise mechanical methods for determining seed location. This substitution enables both reduced material waste through targeted application and meets the high measurement precision requirements through advanced sensing technology.
3Productivity
If plant sensors are used to determine plant location, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors that can detect both seeds and plants, allowing the same sensor system to serve multiple functions throughout the growing season. This multi-functionality improves productivity by enabling timely applications at different growth stages while avoiding the need for separate sensor systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements seed detection and planting information gathering in advance, storing this data for later use in guiding fluid and solid applications. This preliminary action improves subsequent productivity by having location information ready before application operations, while the initial sensor deployment provides long-term value across multiple growing seasons.
Data Source
AI summary
A planter system includes seed sensors for determining seed placement in a furrow to then target at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the seed. Plant sensors determine locations of plants within a field and then target at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the plant.