Terahertz Seed Sensor for Real-Time Quality Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural planting machines lack real-time detection and rejection capabilities for damaged or inferior seeds during planting operations, leading to inefficiencies and reduced yields.

Innovation Solution

A terahertz-based seed sensor system that directs terahertz electromagnetic radiation at seeds to detect viability and other characteristics, with a processing system classifying seeds as qualified or non-qualified and controlling seed release using an actuator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional sensing methods are used to detect seed quality, then the system can identify seed characteristics, but it cannot detect internal seed issues or ensure real-time detection during planting operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed quality detection accuracyVSAvoidinternal seed issue detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical sensing methods with terahertz electromagnetic radiation detection. Terahertz waves can penetrate seed coatings and detect internal characteristics such as moisture content, density, and structural integrity, enabling detection of internal seed issues that external sensing methods cannot detect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes terahertz frequency electromagnetic radiation (0.1-10 THz) which has unique penetration and interaction properties with biological materials. By selecting this specific frequency range, the system achieves both penetration capability for internal detection and sensitivity for quality assessment, resolving the contradiction between detection depth and detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If real-time seed detection and rejection is implemented during planting operations, then planting efficiency and yield are improved, but timing and technical problems arise that prevent current systems from achieving this

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplanting efficiencyVSAvoidreal-time detection timing constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs seed quality detection before the seed is planted, during its transport through the planting mechanism. The terahertz sensor detects seed characteristics in advance, allowing the control system to activate the actuator and reject non-conforming seeds before they reach the planting position, ensuring only qualified seeds are planted without slowing down the overall planting operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where terahertz sensor data is processed in real-time, and the actuator response is controlled based on this feedback. The processing system analyzes seed characteristics and provides immediate feedback control to the actuator, enabling real-time rejection of non-qualified seeds while maintaining planting speed and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If external seed sensing methods are used, then the system can identify seed appearance characteristics, but it cannot detect internal seed quality issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal seed characteristic informationVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-sensor external detection systems with a terahertz-based electromagnetic detection system. Terahertz radiation naturally penetrates seed coatings and provides internal structural information, eliminating the need for complex mechanical dissection or multiple external sensors, thus reducing system complexity while improving information quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables real-time detection and rejection of non-qualified seeds, improving planting efficiency and yield by ensuring only viable seeds are planted.

Implementation Method 1

A terahertz-based seed sensor is configured to direct terahertz electromagnetic radiation toward the seed at a sensing location along the transport route and detect terahertz electromagnetic radiation after the terahertz electromagnetic radiation interacts with the seed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTerahertz electromagnetic radiation interaction: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20240074345A1System and method for ensuring seed quality at planting using terahertz signals

Publication Date: 2024.03.07 DEERE & CO

AI summary

An agricultural machine includes a seeding system having a seed transport mechanism configured to transport a seed along a transport route. A terahertz-based seed sensor is configured to direct terahertz electromagnetic radiation toward the seed at a sensing location along the transport route and detect terahertz electromagnetic radiation after the terahertz electromagnetic radiation interacts with the seed to provide terahertz data. An actuator is configured to selectively move the seed. A processing system is configured to receive the terahertz data and classify the seed as qualified or non-qualified and to selectively engage the actuator based on whether the seed is classified as qualified or non-qualified.