Seeding System with Sensor Feedback for Seed Spacing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural seeding machines face challenges in accurately metering and placing seeds at precise depths and spacings, particularly with difficult seed types like flat corn, leading to issues such as doubles, skips, and bunches due to poor singulation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a seeding machine with a processing circuit and sensors to monitor seed placement, adjusting the metering action based on detected seed spacing parameters, using a seed disk with airflow assistance and a doubles eliminator to ensure accurate seed spacing and placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a vacuum metering system is used to singulate seeds, then seed placement consistency is improved, but performance with difficult seed types (flat corn) deteriorates, causing doubles, skips, and bunches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the seed disk rotation speed variable rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the rotational speed of the seed disk based on detected seed spacing, allowing the metering system to adapt its operating parameters to handle different seed types and conditions while maintaining consistent seed placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through seed sensors that detect seed spacing and provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor seed placement quality and automatically adjust metering parameters, resolving the contradiction by enabling the system to maintain precision while adapting to various seed types through continuous monitoring and adjustment
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of metering systems is used, then adaptability to different seed types is improved, but seeding accuracy deteriorates due to operator error and inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically adjust its own metering parameters based on sensor feedback. The control system autonomously modifies seed disk rotation speed and other metering settings without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining both adaptability to different seed types and consistent seeding accuracy through automated self-regulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors and actuators. This substitution eliminates operator error and inconsistency while maintaining the ability to adapt to different seed types, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and precision
3Productivity
If seed disk rotation speed is increased to improve productivity, then seeding rate increases, but seed singulation quality deteriorates, leading to more doubles and skips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the seed disk rotation speed variable rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the rotational speed of the seed disk based on detected seed spacing, allowing the metering system to adapt its operating parameters to handle different seed types and conditions while maintaining consistent seed placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through seed sensors that detect seed spacing and provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor seed placement quality and automatically adjust metering parameters, resolving the contradiction by enabling the system to maintain precision while adapting to various seed types through continuous monitoring and adjustment
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 solution enables precise control over seed spacing, reducing doubles and skips, and optimizing seed placement, thereby improving planting efficiency and yield consistency across the field.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum or positive pressure airflow may be used in conjunction with the seed disk to assist in movement and retention of the seeds in the seed cells
Implementation Method 2
The seed sensor is positioned to detect the passage of seeds through either the metering device or the seed placement device. The seed sensor producing a signal indicative of the passage of the seeds
Data Source
AI summary
A seeding machine having at least one tool bar, a plurality of row units and a processing circuit. Each of the plurality of row units are connected to the toolbar. Each of the row units have a seed metering device, a seed placement device and a seed sensor. The seed metering device includes a seed disk providing a metering action to a plurality of seeds. The seed placement device receives the seeds from the seed metering device. The seed sensor is positioned to detect the passage of seeds through either the metering device or the seed placement device. The seed sensor producing a signal indicative of the passage of the seeds. The processing circuit is receptive of the signal from each of the seed sensors of each of the plurality of row units. The processing circuit determines a seed placement parameter dependent upon the signal, the processing circuit alters the metering action of the seeds dependent on the seed placement parameter.