Time Domain Depth Sensor for Soil Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining soil depth, such as down pressure measurements and mechanical designs, often result in inaccurate depth measurements, which can lead to suboptimal soil conditions and decreased crop yields.
Innovation Solution
A time domain reflectometry sensor system that uses a ground engaging device with a signal transmission element to transmit and detect electrical signals, allowing an electronic data processor to determine depth based on the difference in propagation times of reflected signals at different soil locations, accounting for impedance changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mechanical methods (feeler gages, potentiometers, linear position sensors) are used to measure depth, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical depth measurement systems (feeler gages, potentiometers, linear position sensors) with a time domain reflectometry-based electrical signal system. The signal transmission element transmits electrical signals along the ground engaging device, and reflected signals are detected and processed to determine depth, eliminating the need for mechanical contact sensors and improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal transmission element as an intermediary between the ground engaging device and the measurement system. This element carries electrical signals from the signal generator, reflects them at impedance discontinuities (such as soil interfaces), and returns them to the pulse detector, enabling non-mechanical depth measurement through signal propagation time analysis.
2Reliability
If down pressure measurements are used to infer planting depth, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of depth measurement worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical inference methods (down pressure measurements) with direct electrical signal-based depth measurement. By measuring the propagation time of electrical signals along the signal transmission element, the system directly determines depth rather than inferring it from pressure, significantly improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the pulse detector receives reflected signals from the signal transmission element and feeds this information back to the electronic data processor. The processor analyzes the reflected signal timing and characteristics to continuously monitor and determine accurate depth measurements, improving reliability through real-time feedback.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical design methods are used for depth measurement, then ease of operation is high, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical depth measurement devices with an electrical signal-based system that provides superior real-time measurement accuracy. The signal generator, signal transmission element, pulse detector, and electronic data processor work together to continuously and accurately measure depth, replacing mechanical methods that lacked real-time precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal transmission element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural component of the ground engaging device and the medium for electrical signal transmission and reflection. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain ease of operation while achieving high measurement precision through integrated design.
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 precise real-time depth measurements, improving soil condition monitoring and crop yield by accurately determining the depth of a ground engaging device in soil.
Implementation Method 1
A time domain reflectometry sensor system that uses a ground engaging device with a signal transmission element to transmit and detect electrical signals, allowing an electronic data processor to determine depth based on the difference in propagation times of reflected signals at different soil locations, accounting for impedance changes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~3A
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a time domain depth sensor system (100) and method for determining a depth of a ground engaging device (220) in soil. The sensor system may include a signal transmission element (104) arranged on an outer periphery of a ground engaging device that is adapted to penetrate soil. The signal transmission element can be arranged to receive and transmit an electrical signal that is responsive to impedance discontinuities detected by a pulse detector (122). The pulse detector is configured to detect a first and a second reflected signal corresponding to a sensed impedance discontinuities at a first and a second soil location. An electronic data processor (132) is communicatively coupled the pulse detector and is configured to determine the depth of the ground engaging device in the soil based on a difference between a first time of propagation of the first reflected signal and a second time of propagation of the second reflected signal.