Seed Variety Selection System with Auxiliary Hoppers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural planting systems face challenges in effectively selecting and varying seed types during in-field operations, leading to blending of seed types and inefficient transitions between different seed varieties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a seed pool with a fill level sensor and seed sensor to calculate seed volume, allowing for quick transitions between seed types by dispensing seeds and counting them, and using seed transfer actuators to selectively supply seeds from auxiliary hoppers to minimize blending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If seed transfer actuators are used to selectively supply seeds from auxiliary hoppers, then transition speed between seed types is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the seed storage into multiple auxiliary hoppers, each containing a specific seed type. This segmentation allows independent control of each hopper's seed supply, enabling rapid switching between seed types without mixing, thus improving transition speed while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The seed transfer actuators serve as intermediary mechanisms between the auxiliary hoppers and the seed meter. These actuators mediate the seed transfer process, controlling the flow of seeds from storage to the metering unit, which enables precise and rapid transitions between different seed types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple auxiliary hoppers are used to store different seed types, then seed variety selection flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal seed meter that can receive and meter multiple types of seeds through a single interface. The seed meter remains unchanged while the auxiliary hoppers provide the versatility by storing different seed types, allowing one meter to serve multiple seed varieties without increasing its complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different seed types are stored in separate auxiliary hoppers, physically segmenting the seed varieties. This segmentation maintains simplicity in the seed meter design while providing flexibility in seed variety selection, as each hopper can be independently filled with specific seed types.
3Productivity
If seeds are dispensed quickly from the seed pool, then planting efficiency is improved, but seed volume calculation precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fill level sensors to continuously monitor the seed pool level and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of seed dispensing rates, ensuring both high planting efficiency and accurate seed volume calculations by adapting to actual seed consumption and pool levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of seed volume based on known seed characteristics and pool dimensions before dispensing begins. By pre-calculating expected seed volumes and comparing them with actual dispensing rates, the system maintains measurement precision while operating at high speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for agricultural planting including selecting and varying agricultural input types during an in-field operation. In one embodiment, a method of calculating a volume of a seed during planting comprises adding a known volume of seed to a seed pool that has a fill level sensor. The method further includes dispensing seeds from the seed pool and as the seeds are dispensed, counting the number of seeds with a seed sensor. The method further includes stopping counting when the fill level sensor indicates no seeds present and calculating seed volume by dividing the known volume by the number of seeds counted.