Virtual Tramline Definition for Planter Seeding Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural planting systems require knowledge of the configuration and dimensions of subsequent vehicles to calculate tramline locations, limiting their ability to create tramlines without this information, especially when dealing with multiple vehicle configurations in contract spraying operations.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows operators to define virtual tramlines using a computer application, which generates data specifying the location and dimensions of tramlines relative to the field, enabling the planter control system to disable or enable seeding units based on the tramline data and the planter's location, independent of the subsequent vehicle's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the planter uses traditional calculation methods based on subsequent vehicle dimensions, then tramline locations can be determined, but the system requires knowledge of vehicle configuration and dimensions which limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses GPS coordinates to create a digital copy of the tramline location rather than calculating it based on vehicle dimensions. The operator manually inputs or marks the desired tramline positions, and the system stores these coordinate points. This eliminates the need to know subsequent vehicle dimensions while preserving the ability to create accurate tramlines for any vehicle configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter used for tramline determination from vehicle dimensions (length, width, wheelbase) to GPS coordinates. By storing tramline locations as coordinate data rather than calculating them from vehicle specifications, the system becomes adaptable to any vehicle without requiring dimension inputs.
2Manufacturing precision
If the planter disables individual seeding units based on calculated tramline locations, then accurate tramlines are created, but the system requires precise knowledge of planter and vehicle widths and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical calculation system (based on vehicle widths and positioning calculations) with a GPS-based coordinate system. Instead of calculating tramline positions from vehicle dimensions, the system uses GPS coordinates to directly identify tramline locations, reducing the complexity of positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the operator to manually define tramline locations using GPS coordinates, making the system self-adjusting to different field conditions and vehicle configurations without requiring complex pre-programming of vehicle dimensions or positioning parameters.
3Ease of operation
If the planter operator manually controls seeding units, then flexibility is maintained, but time is lost in manual intervention and calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses GPS feedback to automatically determine which seeding units should be disabled based on the planter's real-time position relative to the stored tramline coordinates. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual calculations while preserving operator flexibility through pre-configurable control options.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator performs preliminary action by inputting or marking the desired tramline GPS coordinates before planting begins. Once these coordinates are stored, the system automatically handles all subsequent decisions about which seeding units to disable, eliminating time-consuming manual interventions during the planting operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the planter is equipped with individual controllable seeding units, then tramlines can be created by disabling units, but the system requires complex control mechanisms and positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the tramline path using GPS coordinates, which is then used to control the seeding units. This coordinate-based approach simplifies the control mechanism compared to mechanical or calculation-based systems, as the GPS data directly provides the information needed to determine which units should be disabled.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for creating an agricultural tramline, comprising an agricultural planter, an application executing on a computer terminal, one or more seeding units mounted on the planter, a location sensor, and a planter control system, whereby an operator can use the application to create a file specifying the location of a desired agricultural tramline on a plot of land, which is downloaded from the computer terminal to the planter control system, and where the planter control system uses the location of the desired agricultural tramline and location information from the location sensor to enable and disable the plurality of seeding units, such that the area of land corresponding to the desired agricultural tramline is not planted with seed.