Seed Planter Sensor System for Accurate Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seed planting systems in agricultural research are prone to errors such as false triggering of seed sensors due to debris and inability to accurately detect multiple seed conditions, leading to inaccuracies in seed location, spacing, and count determination.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a seed planter, seed sensors, a timing device, and a processor that generates a planting profile by sensing seeds on a seed carrying feature, providing timestamps, and measuring the speed of the planter to determine accurate seed placement and spacing, using optical or non-optical sensors like inductive proximity or Hall-effect sensors, and package sensors for additional data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a drop tube sensor is used to sense planted seeds, then seed location tracking is enabled, but false triggering occurs due to debris stirred up by planter movement
Solution Approach 1:
A reflective tape is placed on the seed carrier as an intermediary element. The optical sensor does not directly detect the seed but rather detects light reflected from the tape, which is attached to the carrier holding the seed. This intermediary approach allows reliable detection while avoiding direct exposure to debris in the drop tube environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or direct physical sensing methods with an optical sensing system. Instead of using a sensor that physically interacts with the seed or relies on mechanical triggers, an optical sensor detects the presence of the seed carrier through light reflection, eliminating mechanical contact and reducing false triggers from debris.
2Device complexity
If a single sensor is used in the drop tube, then the system is simple, but it cannot accurately detect multiple seed conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is segmented into multiple independent optical sensors positioned at different locations. One sensor detects the seed carrier while another sensor detects whether a seed is actually present on the carrier. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between carrier presence and seed presence, enabling accurate detection of multiple seed conditions without requiring complex single-sensor systems.
3Device complexity
If manual seed packaging and opening processes are used, then equipment requirements are minimized, but planting accuracy and data collection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using optical sensors to detect seed carrier presence and seed presence, then recording this data with timing and location information. This feedback loop provides real-time verification of planting accuracy, allowing researchers to collect precise data about seed placement while still using relatively simple manual or automated planting equipment.
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
The system reduces false triggers and improves the detection of multiple seed conditions, enabling more accurate seed planting maps and real-time feedback for improved planting performance.
Implementation Method 1
The seed sensor is configured to sense the presence of one or more seeds on the seed carrying feature
Implementation Method 2
using optical or non-optical sensors like inductive proximity or Hall-effect sensors
Implementation Method 3
using optical or non-optical sensors like inductive proximity or Hall-effect sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for generating a planting profile for seeds planted in a field using a seed planter that includes a seed transfer device. In various embodiments, the planting profile may be generated via a processor that communicates with a timing device and a seed sensor. The timing device is configured to provide timestamps associated with the presence of one or more seeds on a seed carrying feature of the seed transfer device as indicated by the seed sensor. Some embodiments further comprise a speed measuring device that is configured to measure and provide to the processor a speed of the seed planter as it travels through the field. Other embodiments further comprise a second seed sensor that senses seeds after exiting from the drop tube.