Detection of blockage of seed tube in seed drill by using lasor diode sensor

Abstract

This research developed and tested an embedded laser diode detection system to sense seed flow and detect blockages in seed delivery tubes on seed drills. A model was designed to evaluate the system for a single furrow opener. The detection system used a laser module and receiver module positioned across the seed tube to sense interruptions in seed flow. An Arduino controller activated an alarm and LED indicator when a blockage was detected. The system was tested at tractor speeds of 3, 5, and 7 km/h and seed rates of 90, 100, and 110 kg/ha. Performance metrics evaluated were detection accuracy, false alarm rate, and alarm response time. Results showed the blockage detection system had 100% accuracy in detecting blockages, unaffected by speed or seed rate. The false alarm rate was low, ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 alarms per 100 data points. Higher speeds and seed rates increased the false alarm rate slightly. Alarm response time varied from 10-26 seconds depending on operating parameters. The developed laser diode system accurately and reliably detected seed tube blockages under different operating conditions with minimal false alarms. The system provides real-time feedback to the operator to take corrective action and prevent yield losses from unseeded areas during blockages.