Agricultural Sensor Positioning via Ground Speed Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines face challenges in creating a uniform seedbed during tillage operations due to variations in operating parameters and soil conditions, leading to uneven seedbeds and subsequent crop yield issues.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a ground speed sensor and a non-contact-based sensor, such as a vision-based or RADAR sensor, to determine the position of a sensor relative to the field surface by calculating true and apparent ground speed values, allowing for adjustments to operating parameters like ground speed and penetration depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ground-engaging tools are used to tillage the soil, then soil cultivation is achieved, but variations in penetration depth and frame pitch/roll cause uneven seedbeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor ground speed, penetration depth, and frame orientation, feeding this data back to the controller which automatically adjusts hydraulic actuators to maintain consistent operating parameters and uniform seedbed conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-sensing capabilities where sensors mounted on the implement automatically detect variations in penetration depth and frame pitch/roll, enabling the implement to self-correct operating parameters without external intervention
2Measurement precision
If sensor position is not accurately determined, then sensor mounting is simple, but sensor data accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical position measurement devices with a computational approach using sensors to measure ground speed and compare it with vehicle speed, automatically calculating sensor position relative to the ground surface through data processing rather than mechanical measurement
3Adaptability or versatility
If ground speed varies during operation, then machine adaptability to terrain is improved, but seedbed uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters in real-time based on measured ground speed variations, using hydraulic actuators to automatically modify penetration depth and frame orientation to compensate for terrain changes and maintain uniform seedbed conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (penetration depth, ground speed, frame pitch/roll) based on sensor feedback about terrain conditions and ground speed measurements, automatically adjusting these parameters to maintain consistent seedbed quality despite varying terrain
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for determining a position of a sensor mounted on an agricultural machine may include a ground speed sensor configured to capture data indicative of a ground speed of the agricultural machine. The system may also include a non-contact-based sensor configured to capture data indicative of a field characteristic of the field across which the agricultural machine is traveling. Furthermore, a controller of the system may be configured to determine a first ground speed value of the implement frame based on the data received from the ground speed sensor and a second ground speed value based on the data received from the non-contact-based sensor. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine a position of the non-contact-based sensor relative to a field surface of the field across which the agricultural machine is traveling based on the first ground speed value and the second ground speed.