Transparent Seed Tube with External Optical Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed tubes in agricultural seeding machines often have sensors that protrude into the seed drop path, potentially damaging seeds and disrupting their trajectory into the seed trench.
Innovation Solution
A seed tube with partially transparent side walls and an external sensor setup, where the light source and receiver are positioned outside the seed tube, allowing undisturbed seed drop while still detecting seeds effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor extends into the seed tube interior to detect seeds, then seed detection capability is improved, but seed damage and trajectory deflection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent window as an intermediary element that allows optical signals to pass through the seed tube wall for seed detection without requiring the sensor to physically contact or extend into the seed drop path. This mediator enables the sensing function while maintaining seed integrity and proper trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensing approach (where the sensor physically extends into the tube to detect seeds) with an optical sensing system. The optical sensor uses light transmission through the transparent window to detect seeds non-contactly, eliminating mechanical interference with the seed drop.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor is positioned outside the seed tube, then seed path interference is eliminated, but seed detection effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent window serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the external optical sensor and the internal seed drop environment. It allows the sensor positioned outside the tube to effectively detect seeds by transmitting optical signals through the window without requiring physical access to the seed path.
3Ease of operation
If the seed tube wall is made transparent for optical sensing, then non-contact seed detection is enabled, but ambient light interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only a specific portion of the seed tube wall transparent (the window area) rather than the entire tube. This localized transparency enables optical sensing while the rest of the tube maintains its normal properties for guiding and protecting the seed drop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical properties (color/transparency changes) by incorporating a transparent window in the seed tube wall. This allows the tube to selectively transmit certain wavelengths of light for sensing purposes while blocking ambient light interference, enabling the optical sensor to distinguish seed signals from background light.
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
Ensures accurate seed placement without seed damage or deflection, maintaining the integrity of the seed drop process by blocking ambient light and preventing sensor interference with the seed path.
Implementation Method 1
A seed tube for an agricultural seeding machine which includes a side wall having at least a portion thereof formed from a transparent material. A sensor includes a transmitter which is positioned adjacent an outside of the side wall, and operates through the transparent material.
Implementation Method 2
A light is projected from a light source across the hollow interior of the seed tube to a light receiver located in an aperture of the front wall. When a seed passes between the light source and the light receiver, the seed interrupts the light beam and the seed is detected.
Implementation Method 3
The singulated seeds from the seed metering system merely drop into the seed tube and fall via gravitational force from a discharge end thereof into the seed trench.
Data Source
AI summary
A seed tube for an agricultural seeding machine includes a side wall having at least a portion thereof formed from a transparent material. A sensor includes a transmitter which is positioned adjacent an outside of the side wall, and operates through the transparent material.