Seed Spacing Monitoring Using Pre-Cover Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seed spacing monitoring systems in agricultural seeders are unable to accurately account for seed bounce or roll in the furrow, leading to inaccuracies in determining actual seed spacing, which is crucial for improving crop yields.
Innovation Solution
A seed spacing monitoring system equipped with detectors such as IR sensors, cameras, or scanners that sense seeds in their final location before being covered by soil, combined with a speed sensor to calculate seed spacing, and optionally using seed temperature conditioning to differentiate seeds from soil or rocks, particularly effective in dusty environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current seed spacing monitoring systems use timing of seed passing a sensor in a seed tube to predict seed spacing, then the system can provide seed spacing predictions, but the system cannot determine actual seed spacing because it does not account for seed bounce or roll in the furrow
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of seed presence in the furrow before the furrow is closed, using detectors positioned to sense seeds at their actual planted location. This preliminary action captures the true seed spacing information that would otherwise be lost, allowing the system to account for seed bounce or roll and provide accurate seed spacing measurements rather than just predictions based on seed tube timing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces detectors as intermediary sensing devices positioned between the seed tube discharge and the closed furrow. These detectors act as mediators that directly sense seed presence in the furrow, bridging the gap between seed discharge and final seed location. The detectors provide intermediate measurement data that accounts for seed movement (bounce or roll) after discharge, enabling accurate determination of actual seed spacing
2Measurement precision
If detectors are used to sense seeds in the furrow, then accurate seed spacing measurements can be obtained, but the system complexity increases due to additional components required
Solution Approach 1:
The detectors positioned in the furrow serve multiple functions: they detect seed presence for spacing measurement, they provide information about actual seed location accounting for bounce or roll, and they enable real-time monitoring of planting quality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing systems and justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive seed placement information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical seed spacing measurement systems with electronic detectors and signal processing. Instead of using mechanical gauges or physical measurement devices in the furrow, the system uses optical or electromagnetic detectors to sense seed presence, converting physical seed location information into electrical signals for processing. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If seed temperature conditioning is used to differentiate seeds from soil or rocks, then detection accuracy in dusty environments is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the seed by heating or cooling it before detection. This parameter change creates a thermal difference between the seed and the surrounding soil or rocks, enabling the detector to distinguish the seed based on temperature contrast. This is particularly effective in dusty environments where visual or optical detection may be compromised, as thermal detection can penetrate dust more effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature conditioning causes thermal radiation changes in the seed, which the IR detector senses as a signal difference. By heating or cooling the seed, the system creates a detectable thermal signature that differentiates the seed from background elements like soil and rocks, similar to how color changes can be used for detection
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 system provides more accurate seed spacing measurements by directly detecting seeds in the furrow before they are covered, accounting for their precise location and allowing for real-time adjustments to ensure consistent seed placement, thereby improving crop yields.
Implementation Method 1
a detector supported to detect seeds in the furrow prior to the seeds being covered, said detector providing a plurality of seed presence signals
Implementation Method 2
a speed sensor associated with said seeder and providing a speed signal indicating a ground speed of the seeder
Data Source
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AI summary
A seed spacing monitoring system (16) is used in an agricultural seeder (10) for planting seeds. The agricultural seeder (10) has a furrow opener (28, 52) a seed meter (36, 64) for metering seed to be dispensed in the furrow (18), and a furrow closer (34, 58) to cover the seed in the furrow (18). The seed spacing monitoring system (16) includes a detector (42, 68) supported to detect seeds in the furrow (18) prior to the seeds being covered. The detector (42, 68) provides a plurality of seed presence signals, with each seed presence signal being indicative of a respective seed present in the furrow (18). A speed sensor (19) is associated with the seeder (10) and provides a speed signal indicating a ground speed of the seeder (10). An electrical processor (16A) receives the plurality of seed presence signals and the speed signal. The electrical processor (16A) determines a seed spacing, dependent upon the seed presence signals and the speed signal.