System and method for determining proper downforce for a planter row unit
US9173339B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S111/903
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for determining the appropriate downforce on an agricultural planter row unit that minimizes soil compaction while maintaining desired furrow depth. A load sensor is disposed to generate a load signal corresponding to loading on a depth regulation member of the row unit. In one method a load margin is calculated based on a minimum detected load value. In another method, a load margin is derived through a statistical analysis of the detected load values. The load margin calculated or derived by any of the methods is indicative of the amount of supplemental down force that should be increased or decreased to bring the load margin toward zero. A ground contact parameter may also be used in connection with the load margin to provide further confidence on the proper amount of downforce required to ensure furrow depth while minimizing soil compaction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.