Seed Temperature Conditioning for Accurate Spacing 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 that uses a seed temperature conditioner to vary the seed temperature and a temperature sensitive sensor, such as an IR sensor array, to accurately detect seed placement before the soil covers the seeds, allowing for precise seed spacing detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensitive sensor is used to detect seed placement, then seed spacing detection accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for seed temperature conditioning
Solution Approach 1:
The seed temperature conditioner is used to pre-condition the seeds by raising their temperature before placement in the furrow. This preliminary action ensures that the seeds have a detectable temperature difference from the surrounding soil when they are placed, enabling accurate detection by the temperature sensitive sensor without requiring complex post-placement detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature difference between the conditioned seeds and the surrounding soil acts as an intermediary signal that the temperature sensitive sensor can detect. Instead of directly measuring seed position or using complex imaging systems, the patent uses temperature as a mediator to indicate seed placement and spacing
2Device complexity
If current monitoring systems detect seed placement using timing sensors, then the system structure is simpler, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to account for seed bounce and roll
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or optical timing-based detection systems with a temperature-based detection system. Instead of using sensors that detect seed passage through timing or position in the seed tube, the system uses temperature sensitive sensors that directly detect the thermal signature of placed seeds in the furrow, eliminating errors from seed bounce and roll
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from temporal (timing of seed passage) to thermal (temperature difference). By monitoring the temperature signal rather than the timing of mechanical events, the system can accurately determine seed placement location even when seeds bounce or roll after deposition
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 provides accurate seed spacing detection by differentiating seed temperature from the surrounding soil, enabling improved seed placement consistency and increased crop yields by accounting for seed bounce and roll.
Implementation Method 1
A seed temperature conditioner is associated with the seed travel path for varying a temperature of seed traveling through the seed travel path
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensitive sensor, such as an IR sensor array, to accurately detect seed placement before the soil covers the seeds
Data Source
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AI summary
A row crop unit (14, 20, 50) for use in an agricultural seeder (10) includes a furrow opener (28, 52,102) for opening a furrow (18) in the soil, a seed metering system (36, 64) for metering seed to be placed in the furrow (18), and a seed placement system (38, 60) for placing seeds in the furrow (18). The seed placement system (38, 60) and the seed metering system (36, 64) are in communication with each other and at least in part define a seed travel path associated with the furrow (18). A furrow closer (34, 58) covers the seed in the furrow (18) with soil. A seed temperature conditioner is associated with the seed travel path for varying a temperature of seed traveling through the seed travel path. A temperature sensitive sensor (42, 68, 100) is positioned to sense seed which has been deposited in the furrow (18) between the furrow opener (28, 52) and the furrow closer (34, 58). An optional packaging tube (112) holds the temperature sensor (42, 68, 100) or sensor array. A lens is mounted with the same tube (112). A larger diameter tube (114) may be positioned around the sensor packaging tube (112). A positive air pressure/air flow may be introduced between the two tubes (112, 114). This positive air-flow forms a positive pressure and/or air flow barrier to push dust away from the sensor lens or sensor surface. Furthermore a method for operating a row crop unit (14, 20, 50) is disclosed.