Sensor-Mounted Furrow Shaper for Planter Row Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional planter row units with furrow openers often create W-shaped furrows, leading to uncontrolled seed deposition as seeds fall to one side or the other, necessitating a solution to ensure precise seed placement.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a furrow shaper with a sensor-embedded foot that shapes the furrow into a V or U shape, equipped with a spring bias mechanism for consistent contact and a sensor to detect soil parameters for optimal seed placement, integrated with a seed delivery mechanism and furrow opener system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional furrow opener is used to open the furrow, then the furrow is opened efficiently, but the furrow takes on a W-shaped cross-section causing uncontrolled seed deposition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefurrow opening efficiencyVSAvoidseed placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The furrow formation process is segmented into two distinct stages: first the furrow opener creates the initial furrow, then the furrow shaper modifies it to the desired V-shaped cross-section. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while achieving both efficiency and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The furrow shaper performs preliminary shaping of the furrow before seed deposition occurs. By pre-forming the V-shaped cross-section and positioning the furrow bottom at the desired depth, the system ensures controlled seed placement without requiring complex seed delivery mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If a furrow shaper is added to reshape the furrow, then seed placement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed placement accuracyVSAvoidrow unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The furrow shaper is merged with the seed delivery mechanism by mounting it to the seed tube assembly. This integration allows the shaper to utilize the existing structural support and positioning systems of the seed delivery mechanism, adding the shaping function without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The furrow shaper is designed to perform multiple functions: shaping the furrow cross-section, positioning the furrow bottom depth, and guiding seed deposition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each task, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the furrow shaper is mounted to the seed tube, then seed deposition control is improved, but the mounting complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed deposition controlVSAvoidmounting process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The furrow shaper is positioned at the same vertical level as the seed tube outlet, creating an equipotential mounting arrangement. This allows both components to share the same support structure and positioning mechanism, simplifying the mounting process while maintaining precise seed deposition control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentEP3360402B2Row planter unit with sensor-mounted furrow shaper

Publication Date: 2022.11.16 DEERE & CO

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AI summary

A planter row unit (10) comprises a frame (14), a furrow opener (20) mounted to the frame (14) to open a furrow, a seed delivery mechanism (32) mounted to the frame (14) to deposit seed into the furrow, a furrow shaper (48), and a sensor (164, 64) configured to detect a parameter related to seed planting.