Agricultural Seed Planter Depth Control Using Pressure Transducers
Jul 24, 2018
Since its invention, the seed planting machine has helped to greatly increase harvest yield. Today’s machines have adjustable downforce to make planting accuracy even easier. To do this, an air compressor on the tractor provides the pressurized air to the cylinders which act as an air-bag system. The operator can put more or less air in the airbags, which in turn puts more or less weight on the planter wheels and allows the planter to plant the seed deeper in the soil.
Challenge
Accurate and consistent planting depth
The challenge with this application is controlling the seed planter attachment to allow the seed to be consistently planted in the soil. This is done by adjusting the weight transferred to the wheels via airbags. An on-board air compressor is utilized to feed air to the airbags, which an operator can turn on or off to keep the desired pressure.
Solution
Gems 3100 Series Pressure Transducer
The solution is a Gems 3100 Series Pressure Transducer with an integral 4-pin Deutsch Connector. This solution can withstand moisture ingress and provides continuous and accurate cylinder pressures to aid in the control of planter wheel weight, which allows the planter to plant the seeds consistently and deeper in the soil.