This report shows the process of the development of a sensor module for the seed drills of Väderstad Verken AB. The module is supposed to replace existing solutions, provided that it is better from both a constructional- and an economical aspect. The purpose of the sensor is to continuously give the driver information about the level of height of the front- and drilling tools and the main purpose of the sensor is to allow the seeds to be placed at the desired depth. The sensors which have been taken into consideration have all been of an analogue type and have a protection class of minimum IP67. The methods applied have been taken from the book “The Mechanical Design Process” by David G. Ullman and every step has been described and explained. To get a deeper insight of the task at hand, the process started with studies of the theories behind sensor techniques as well as interviews with persons at the company who have good knowledge about the problem in question. The work then continued with a review of the market for sensors who could possibly meet the requirements of the solution. Many of the sensors were then excluded until there were only six left. The next step was the concept development which led to the generation of six concepts, one for each sensor. Then a weighting took place using a Basic Decision Matrix, and the four most suitable concepts were left. Simple drawings for the four concepts were made and prototypes of these were produced. The prototypes were then mounted on a machine to be tested. Finally, after another weighting, the best concept was presented to the company. The result shows that the best solution was a concept based on the Blade Sensor. The next step for the company is to do further testing on the concept out on the fields and then to decide whether this solution is suitable or not.

<p> <p>This report shows the process of the development of a sensor module for the seed drills of Väderstad Verken AB. The module is supposed to replace existing solutions, provided that it is better from both a constructional- and an economical aspect. The purpose of the sensor is to continuously give the driver information about the level of height of the front- and drilling tools and the main purpose of the sensor is to allow the seeds to be placed at the desired depth. The sensors which have been taken into consideration have all been of an analogue type and have a protection class of minimum IP67.</p><p> </p><p>The methods applied have been taken from the book “The Mechanical Design Process” by David G. Ullman and every step has been described and explained. To get a deeper insight of the task at hand, the process started with studies of the theories behind sensor techniques as well as interviews with persons at the company who have good knowledge about the problem in question. The work then continued with a review of the market for sensors who could possibly meet the requirements of the solution. Many of the sensors were then excluded until there were only six left. The next step was the concept development which led to the generation of six concepts, one for each sensor. Then a weighting took place using a Basic Decision Matrix, and the four most suitable concepts were left. Simple drawings for the four concepts were made and prototypes of these were produced. The prototypes were then mounted on a machine to be tested. Finally, after another weighting, the best concept was presented to the company.</p><p> </p><p>The result shows that the best solution was a concept based on the Blade Sensor. The next step for the company is to do further testing on the concept out on the fields and then to decide whether this solution is suitable or not.</p></p>