Seed Singulation Monitoring for Permanent Intake Blockage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed singulation devices in precision seed drills are prone to permanent blockages in seed intakes, leading to significant disruptions in the sowing process and yield loss, as current detection methods are inadequate for identifying persistent occupancy of seed receptacles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using an electronic evaluation unit to analyze sensor signals or images from seed detection devices, such as cameras or sensors, to identify cyclically recurring irregularities in seed pickup, considering rotational speed and time intervals, to detect permanent blockages in seed receptacles, triggering warnings for timely cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If seed singulation devices are used in precision seed drills, then seed distribution is improved, but permanent blockages in seed intakes occur leading to disruptions in the sowing process
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs preliminary detection of blockages before they cause significant yield loss. By detecting cyclically recurring irregularities in seed pickup early in the process, the system enables timely intervention (cleaning or maintenance) before permanent damage to sowing efficiency occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring by analyzing sensor signals and images from seed detection devices. The electronic evaluation unit processes this data to identify patterns indicating permanent blockages, providing real-time feedback about the health and reliability of the seed singulation device during operation.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If existing detection methods are used for seed occupancy, then general seed detection is achieved, but persistent occupancy of seed receptacles cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of detection data to establish baseline patterns of normal seed pickup. By comparing current detection signals against these established patterns, the system can identify deviations indicating permanent blockages before they are mistaken for normal variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic evaluation unit continuously monitors detection signals and provides feedback about the status of individual seed receptacles. By analyzing cyclically recurring irregularities in the detection pattern, the system achieves precise identification of permanently blocked receptacles that existing methods cannot detect.
Solution Approach 3:
The system utilizes the periodic nature of seed pickup by rotating singulation elements to detect blockages. By analyzing detection signals at regular intervals corresponding to the rotation cycle, the system can identify consistent missing detections that indicate permanent blockages rather than temporary variations.
3Loss of time
If seed intakes become permanently blocked, then detection of the blockage is delayed, but early detection can prevent yield loss
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs preliminary detection of blockage conditions before they result in significant yield loss. By continuously analyzing seed pickup patterns and identifying cyclically recurring irregularities, the system detects blockages early in their development, enabling timely maintenance intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring that provides real-time information about the status of seed intake capacity. By analyzing detection signals from seed detection devices and comparing them against expected patterns, the system provides early warning of blockages before they cause substantial yield loss.
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
This allows for the early and reliable detection of permanent blockages in seed singulation devices, preventing yield loss by ensuring consistent seed distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic evaluation unit for determining the cyclically recurring irregularities in the detection of the seeds analyzes a sensor signal from the seed detection device, which is designed as a seed detection sensor. The seed detection sensor is preferably a non-contact sensor. The seed detection sensor can, for example, be an optical sensor.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for monitoring the capacity of seed intakes (16) of a singulation element (14) of a seed singulation device (10) of a precision seed drill, comprising the step: capturing seed kernels (S) by means of a seed detection device (20), wherein an electronic evaluation device (22) cyclically determines irregularities (U, U1-U8) during the capture of the seed kernels (S) to identify a permanent occupancy (D1-D4) of a seed intake (16) that impairs the capacity of the seed intake.