Seeding Tool Flow Delay Detection for Precise Section Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural systems face challenges in accurately controlling material application due to varying delays in material delivery times across different tanks and secondary tubes, leading to over-seeding or under-seeding, which results in wasted product or reduced yield, especially when approaching headland turns or managing different materials and blower speeds.
Innovation Solution
Implementing sensors on the seeding tool to detect material flow and automatically calculate turn on and turn off delays, allowing for precise control of material application by processing sensor signals and adjusting machine operations based on these delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual timing methods are used to detect flow timing values, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to operator error and inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical timing methods with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors are installed on the seeding tool to automatically detect when material arrives, and a processor calculates flow timing values by comparing sensor activation time with meter activation time. This substitution eliminates operator error and provides consistent, precise measurements while managing system complexity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration and self-detection of flow timing values. The sensors and processor work autonomously to detect material flow timing and calculate delay values without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting and recording flow timing parameters for different sections, blower speeds, and material densities.
2Manufacturing precision
If flow timing values are not adjusted for different blower speeds and material densities, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to over- or under-application of material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of flow timing values based on operating conditions. The system detects and records different flow timing values for different blower speeds and material densities, allowing the control parameters to adapt dynamically to changing conditions. This ensures precise material application regardless of operational variations while managing complexity through automated detection and storage of condition-specific parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow timing parameter values based on detected operating conditions such as blower speed and material density. By storing multiple sets of flow timing values corresponding to different conditions and selecting the appropriate set based on current operation, the system maintains manufacturing precision without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus balancing precision with manageable system complexity.
3Loss of substance
If section control is not implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of substance increases due to over-application of material in certain field sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seeding tool into multiple independently controllable sections, each with its own sensors and flow timing detection. This segmentation allows different flow timing values to be applied to different sections based on their specific characteristics and operating conditions. By controlling each section independently, the system prevents over-application of material in any given section, reducing material waste while managing complexity through modular section-based control.
Data Source
AI summary
Material is metered by a meter into a delivery conduit from a tank and delivered to a tool on an agricultural machine. A sensor detects when the material arrives at the tool. A delay time is detected between when the meter is activated and when the sensor detects the material. The agricultural machine is controlled based on the delay time.