Non-contact Sensor Soil Clod Size Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining soil clod size and soil surface residue coverage during agricultural tillage operations lack precision and require manual adjustments, leading to uneven soil preparation and suboptimal seedbed formation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an agricultural implement equipped with non-contact-based sensors, such as vision-based or RADAR sensors, that capture data on soil clod size and residue coverage as the implement is towed across the field, with a controller processing this data to generate a field map for real-time and remote analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustments are used for soil preparation, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and uniformity of soil preparation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical measurement methods with non-contact optical sensors and automated image processing systems. The sensor system captures images of soil clods and uses computational algorithms to automatically determine clod size distribution, eliminating the need for manual measurement while achieving higher precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the soil surface using sensors mounted on the agricultural implement. These images are then processed to extract measurements of clod size and residue coverage, allowing multiple measurements to be taken simultaneously across the field width without physical contact with the soil.
2Measurement precision
If non-contact sensors are installed on the agricultural implement, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor system to perform multiple functions: measuring both soil clod size and residue coverage using the same optical sensors and processing platform. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement systems and justifies the added complexity through enhanced versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automated image processing algorithms that automatically analyze sensor data, calculate clod size distributions, and determine residue coverage percentages without requiring manual intervention. The system self-calibrates and processes data in real-time, reducing operational complexity despite the advanced sensor technology.
3Productivity
If real-time data collection is performed during non-soil-working operations, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent collects soil condition data during non-soil-working operations such as spraying or harvesting, before actual tillage or planting occurs. This preliminary data collection allows farmers to assess field conditions and plan subsequent operations accordingly, improving overall productivity by avoiding unnecessary re-operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback on soil clod size and residue coverage during field operations. This feedback loop enables operators to adjust machinery settings or operational parameters immediately to achieve desired soil preparation outcomes, enhancing productivity through continuous optimization.
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 system provides accurate, real-time data on soil conditions, enabling farmers to adjust operations for uniform soil preparation and improving seedbed formation, enhancing agricultural performance.
Implementation Method 1
non-contact-based sensor, such as vision-based or RADAR sensors
Implementation Method 2
non-contact-based sensor, such as vision-based or RADAR sensors
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for determining soil clod size or soil surface residue coverage of a field may include an agricultural implement configured to perform a non-soil-working operation on the field as the agricultural implement is towed across the field. Furthermore, the system may include a non-contact-based sensor installed on the agricultural implement, with the non-contact-based sensor configured to capture data indicative of at least one of a soil clod size of the field or a soil surface residue coverage of the field. Additionally, a controller of the disclosed system may be configured to receive data from the non-contact-based sensor as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured to determine at least one of the soil clod size of the field or the soil surface residue coverage of the field based on the received data.