Sowing Row Unit Sensor Carrier for Seed Furrow Parameter Detection
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing row units for sowing machines face challenges in detecting parameters related to seed sowing effectively, especially when equipped with a catching roller, which affects seed deposition quality.
Innovation Solution
The row unit design incorporates a sensor carrier arranged directly behind the catching roller, allowing it to be carried in the seed furrow after seed deposition. This configuration enables the detection of meaningful parameters at the site of seed deposition before the furrow closes, while maintaining space for a closing unit and ensuring good seed deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor carrier is arranged in the seed furrow instead of a catching roller, then parameters related to seed sowing can be detected, but seed deposition quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a catching roller for seed deposition and a sensor carrier for parameter detection. The sensor carrier is positioned directly behind the catching roller in the direction of travel, allowing it to follow the seed furrow without interfering with the catching roller's function. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning detection and deposition functions to separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor carrier acts as an intermediary element that follows the seed furrow created by the catching roller. It is arranged to be carried in the seed furrow after the seed has been braked and/or pressed in, enabling parameter detection without directly interfering with the seed deposition process. The sensor carrier detects meaningful parameters at the site of seed deposition before the furrow closes.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor carrier is arranged directly behind the catching roller, then meaningful parameters can be detected at the seed deposition site, but space for closing unit arrangement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor carrier is arranged in the longitudinal direction (direction of travel) directly behind the catching roller, utilizing the space along the travel path rather than occupying transverse space. This longitudinal arrangement allows the closing unit to be positioned above or beside the sensor carrier without spatial conflict, effectively using the third dimension to resolve the space constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor carrier is designed to be carried dynamically in the seed furrow after seed deposition, following the furrow's path rather than being fixed in a rigid position. This dynamic arrangement adapts to the seed furrow's location and maintains optimal detection positioning while accommodating the closing unit's operational space requirements.
3Measurement precision
If the row unit components are arranged to accommodate sensor carrier behind catching roller, then detection function is improved, but row unit length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor carrier is positioned within the shadow area of the catching roller, nesting the detection function within the spatial envelope created by the catching roller's position and dimensions. This nesting arrangement allows the sensor carrier to occupy space that would otherwise be unused, minimizing the additional length required while maintaining detection functionality.
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 design allows for precise detection of parameters related to seed sowing, ensuring effective seed deposition and germination, while maintaining a compact row unit configuration that does not protrude excessively rearward.
Implementation Method 1
The seed depositing mechanism preferably comprises a separating device operated by excess pressure, which separates seeds by means of excess pressure and deposits them pneumatically accelerated in the seed furrow
Implementation Method 2
The catching roller is used for braking and/or pressing in the seed deposited in the seed furrow
Data Source
AI summary
RA row unit for a sowing machine, comprising a frame, a furrow opener mounted on the frame for opening a seed furrow, a seed depositing mechanism for depositing seed into the seed furrow, and a catching roller mounted on the frame for braking and/or pressing in seed deposited into the seed furrow. In order to enable the detection of a parameter related to the sowing of seed in row units having a catching roller it is provided that a sensor carrier is arranged on the frame directly behind the catching roller in the direction of travel (F) in such a way that it is carried in the seed furrow after the seed has been braked and/or pressed in, wherein the sensor carrier has at least one sensor for detecting at least one parameter related to the sowing of seed.