Selective Material Placement Using Event-Based Seed Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural systems apply materials to fields in a continuous manner, leading to inefficiencies and waste, as material is often applied unnecessarily between seeds or plants, especially in high-rate applications like fertilizer.
Innovation Solution
Agricultural machines are equipped with a system that identifies seed locations using event-based or frequency-based processing, allowing precise application of materials at specific locations relative to seeds by actuating valves or actuators based on seed patterns and travel dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If material is applied in a continuous manner, then application coverage is complete, but material waste increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous material application into discrete, targeted applications at specific seed locations. The system divides the field into individual seed placement points and applies material only at these segmented locations rather than continuously across the entire field, thereby reducing waste while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by applying material at regular intervals corresponding to seed placement frequency. The valve actuates periodically at each seed location rather than maintaining continuous flow, creating a rhythmic on-off pattern that reduces material waste while ensuring adequate coverage at all necessary points.
2Manufacturing precision
If material application is continuous, then coverage is uniform, but application precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering material at different rates and timings to different seed locations based on individual needs. Each seed location receives material according to its specific position, seed type, and soil conditions, rather than receiving uniform material application across the entire field, thereby improving precision while optimizing total material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes material application parameters (rate, timing, duration) dynamically at each seed location. The valve actuation duration and material flow rate are adjusted based on real-time sensor data and pre-programmed parameters for different seed types and soil conditions, enabling precise control over material placement while optimizing the quantity applied at each location.
3Measurement precision
If event-based processing is used to identify seed locations, then material application precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical seed detection systems with electronic sensors and digital processing. Instead of using mechanical probes or visual inspection systems, the invention employs simple optical or capacitive sensors that detect seed presence and position, then uses microprocessor-based event processing to translate these signals into precise material application timing, thereby achieving high precision with relatively simple hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the seed detection event itself to trigger the material application process. The seed sensor automatically generates the signal that actuates the material valve without requiring external intervention or complex control algorithms, allowing the system to self-regulate material application based on real-time seed location feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
Furrows can be opened in a field. Seeds can be delivered to the furrows in the field at different locations in the field. The locations of the seeds in the field can be identified using different types of processing. The different types of process can include event-based processing or frequency-based processing. A material is applied to the field, based upon the seed locations.