Trench Depth Sensing with Ultrasonic Feedback for Seed Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural planters lack accuracy and durability in maintaining the proper seed planting depth due to soil conditions and insufficient downpressure, and existing depth sensing systems do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural trench depth sensing system utilizing ultrasonic sensors, finger sensors, and accelerometers to measure and adjust the depth of seed trenches, combined with a processor for automatic depth control, ensuring precise and durable depth maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional depth sensors with pivot arms and ground engaging fingers are used, then depth measurement capability is provided, but measurement accuracy and system durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pivot arm and ground engaging fingers with an ultrasonic sensing system that uses sound waves to measure trench depth. The ultrasonic transmitter sends sound pulses that reflect off the trench bottom, and the receiver calculates depth based on the time of flight. This eliminates mechanical wear and contact with soil, improving both accuracy and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium for the ultrasonic waves to travel through. The ultrasonic transmitter and receiver are positioned above the trench, and the sound waves pass through the air to reach and reflect from the trench bottom. This allows non-contact measurement while maintaining measurement capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If maximum planting depth adjustment apparatus is provided, then depth adjustment capability is available, but actual depth maintenance is insufficient due to soil conditions and insufficient downpressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the ultrasonic depth sensor continuously measures the actual trench depth, and this measurement is fed back to the depth control actuator. The processor compares the measured depth with the target depth and automatically adjusts the row unit depth to maintain the desired planting depth, compensating for soil conditions and downpressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring its own performance (trench depth) and correcting deviations without external intervention. The depth control actuator responds to sensor feedback to maintain optimal planting depth, enabling the system to adapt to varying soil conditions autonomously.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and actuators are integrated for automatic depth control, then depth sensing accuracy and durability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transmitter and receiver serve multiple functions: they measure trench depth, detect soil surface position, and provide feedback for depth control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors for different measurement tasks, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
The system provides accurate and durable depth sensing and adjustment, enhancing agronomic practices by improving seed emergence and yield prediction.
Implementation Method 1
An agricultural trench depth sensing system utilizes ultrasonic sensors, finger sensors, and accelerometers to measure and adjust the depth of seed trenches
Implementation Method 2
An agricultural trench depth sensing system utilizes ultrasonic sensors, finger sensors, and accelerometers to measure and adjust the depth of seed trenches
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural trench depth sensing system has a trench implement (100) for placement in a soil trench. A first ground engaging finger (1210) disposed on the implement is adapted to engage a first sidewall surface of the trench. A second ground engaging finger (1220) disposed on the implement is adapted to engage a second sidewall surface of the trench. A sensor (1270) on or in the implement generates a signal based on a position of at least one of the first finger and the second finger relative to the implement. In an embodiment (FIGs. 12A to 12C), the first finger and the second finger are not connected to the trench implement via an arm, and the sensor generates a first signal based on a position of the first finger, and generates a second signal based on a position of the optional second finger. In another embodiment, the first and second fingers are connected together via an arm (1260) that is connected to the implement; and one of: A. the sensor measuring a height of the first finger and wherein the second finger is above the trench implement, and wherein the first finger and the second finger are connected to the arm through an angular displacement sensor (1270) to facilitate rotation about an axis parallel to the implement by the first and second fingers; B. the first and said second fingers are connected via a pivot to the arm to facilitate rotation about an axis parallel to the implement; and C. the arm is flexible and connected to a fixed attachment that is connected to the implement, and the sensor measuring a distance of the arm from the implement.