Seedbed Uniformity Detection Using Strain Gauge Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current agricultural tillage implements lack the ability to determine and maintain uniformity of the seedbed surface in real-time during operations, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal seed placement, which can result in reduced crop yield due to irregularities in the tilled surface.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing a seedbed uniformity sensing arrangement with a vertically articulating sensor body and strain gauge to generate signals indicative of surface uniformity, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of operational parameters such as vertical positioning and downforce to optimize the tilled surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional manual inspection methods are used to check seedbed floor uniformity, then operators can verify tillage tool performance, but the process requires repeatedly digging away seedbed sections which consumes significant time and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseedbed floor uniformity detectionVSAvoidtillage operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection process (digging away seedbed) with an optical sensing system. A sensor assembly with light sources and detectors measures the optical properties of the seedbed floor to determine uniformity, eliminating the need for physical disturbance of the seedbed and enabling continuous real-time monitoring without productivity loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If operators frequently stop to inspect and adjust tillage tools for optimal seedbed uniformity, then seed placement quality can be maintained, but operational time is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseedbed surface uniformityVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing system enables continuous measurement of seedbed floor uniformity during tillage operations. The sensor assembly continuously monitors the optical properties of the seedbed as it is being formed, allowing operators to maintain optimal conditions without intermittent stoppages for inspection, thus eliminating time loss while preserving measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback on seedbed floor uniformity through optical measurements. The sensor data is processed to give immediate information about tillage quality, enabling operators to make timely adjustments to tillage tool settings to maintain optimal seedbed conditions without needing to stop operations for comprehensive inspections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If real-time sensing and control systems are implemented to maintain seedbed uniformity, then seed placement consistency can be improved, but the complexity of the tillage implement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed placement uniformityVSAvoidimplement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical sensing technology to replace complex mechanical measurement systems. Instead of using mechanical gauges or contact-based sensors that would require complex calibration and adjustment mechanisms, the system employs non-contact optical sensors that measure seedbed properties through light interaction, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high measurement precision for seed placement uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables on-the-fly determination and control of seedbed surface uniformity, improving seed placement consistency and reducing the need for frequent manual inspections, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of tillage operations.

Implementation Method 1

The sensing element includes a strain gauge for generating an electrical signal in response to vertical movement of the soil-contact surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain gauge: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11252854B2Real-time seedbed uniformity detection and improvement in an agricultural tillage implement

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 INC BLUE LEAF I

AI summary

An apparatus and method for determining uniformity of a tilled surface of a seedbed prepared by a tillage tool of an agricultural tillage implement utilize a seedbed uniformity sensing arrangement including a sensing element having a sensor body adapted for vertically articulating attachment to the implement behind the tillage tool and defining a soil-contact surface configured to bear against the tilled surface. The sensing element includes a vertical position sensor including a strain gauge fixedly attached to the sensor body for generating a surface uniformity signal in response to bending loads imposed on the sensor body by vertical movement of the soil-contact surface as it rides along on the tilled surface. The surface uniformity signal is processed to provide an indication of the general uniformity of the tilled surface, and a surface control signal that is used for controlling operational parameters of the tillage implement.