Seedbed Surface Detection Assembly for Tillage Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current seedbed monitoring systems fail to provide an effective and simple solution for ensuring a level and uniform seedbed during tillage operations, leading to potential losses in crop yield due to poor germination and non-uniform plant stands.
Innovation Solution
A seedbed condition monitoring system comprising an agricultural implement with a frame, ground-engaging tools, an auxiliary support arm, and detection assemblies that include pivot arms and sensors to detect variations in the seedbed surface and floor profiles, allowing real-time assessment and adjustment of tillage operations to maintain seedbed quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional tillage operations are performed without monitoring, then the operation is simple and quick, but the seedbed uniformity and levelness deteriorate leading to poor germination and non-uniform plant stands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with optical sensors that detect seedbed surface variations through light reflection. The sensor assembly uses optical fields instead of mechanical contact to measure seedbed profile, achieving precise monitoring while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an auxiliary support arm as an intermediary structure that carries the sensor assembly behind the ground-engaging tools. This intermediary component enables the sensor to follow the seedbed surface profile without interfering with the tillage operation, resolving the conflict between monitoring precision and operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If a monitoring system is added to detect seedbed conditions, then seedbed quality can be improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is designed to automatically follow the seedbed surface profile through the pivot arm mechanism. The system performs self-adjustment where the pivot arm naturally angles to keep the sensor focused on the moving seedbed surface, eliminating the need for manual calibration or complex control operations while maintaining reliable seedbed quality monitoring.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sensor assembly is rigidly mounted to monitor seedbed surface, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to track surface variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mounting system where the sensor assembly is attached to a pivot arm that can angle relative to the implement frame. This dynamic configuration allows the sensor to automatically track the moving seedbed surface profile while the overall assembly remains structurally stable during field operations, resolving the contradiction between stability and measurement precision.
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 enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of seedbed conditions, ensuring a uniform and level seedbed, thereby improving crop yield by addressing variations in soil conditions and maintaining optimal seedbed quality during tillage operations.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect pivotal motion of the pivot arm relative to the support arm, with the pivotal motion of the pivot arm being indicative of variations in a profile of the outer seedbed surface
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for monitoring the condition of a seedbed within a field may include an implement having a plurality of ground-engaging tools supported by a frame, with the implement being configured to create or be traversed across a seedbed extending downwardly within the field from an outer seedbed surface to a seedbed floor. The system may also include an auxiliary support arm coupled to a portion of the frame at or adjacent to the aft end of the frame and a seedbed surface detection assembly coupled to the auxiliary support arm such that the seedbed surface detection assembly is located behind the ground-engaging tools relative to a forward travel direction of the implement. The seedbed surface detection assembly may be configured to detect variations in a profile of the outer seedbed surface as the implement is moved in the forward travel direction.