Adaptive Nozzle Assembly for Variable Plant Row Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant spraying systems often fail to accurately target the root zone or foliage zone, leading to inefficient application of nutrients and crop treatments due to fixed nozzle configurations that do not adapt to varying plant row spacings and growth stages.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a location-determining receiver, distance sensors, and a guidance module to automatically select and control nozzles based on measured distances and plant row configurations, ensuring maximum coverage of target zones around plant rows by activating specific nozzles in vertical arrays to direct treatments towards optimal zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed nozzle configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying plant row spacings and growth stages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic nozzle selection where the controller automatically activates specific nozzles based on real-time plant row spacing measurements and growth stage detection, transforming the static nozzle configuration into a dynamic, adaptive system that responds to varying field conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting which nozzles are activated based on measured plant row spacings and growth stages, allowing the same physical nozzle assembly to adapt to different configurations without mechanical repositioning
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed nozzle positions are used, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but spraying accuracy to target zones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses onboard sensors to automatically detect plant row spacing and growth stage, with the controller autonomously selecting appropriate nozzles without requiring external manual adjustment or high-precision pre-positioning of nozzles
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from plant row spacing measurements and growth stage detection to dynamically control nozzle selection, creating a closed-loop system that adjusts spray targeting based on actual field conditions rather than relying on fixed positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If automated nozzle selection is implemented, then adaptability to varying conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions by integrating plant row spacing measurement processing, growth stage detection, and automated nozzle selection logic into a single control unit, reducing overall system complexity despite the sophisticated adaptive capabilities
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables precise and efficient application of crop inputs by dynamically adjusting nozzle positions and spray patterns to match varying plant row spacings and growth stages, improving the uniformity and effectiveness of nutrient and treatment distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A distance sensor is arranged to measure a distance between a nozzle assembly and a plant row segment
Implementation Method 2
a location-determining receiver for estimating a position of a sprayer with respect to one or more rows of plants
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for spraying plants (66) is disclosed. The system comprising: a location-determining receiver (10) for estimating a position of a sprayer (61) with respect to one or more rows of plants (66); a nozzle assembly (60) of a row unit supported by or suspended from the sprayer (61), the nozzle assembly (60) comprising a first nozzle (222) with a greater height above ground than a second nozzle (224); a distance sensor (130) configured to measure a distance (116) between the nozzle assembly (60) or row unit and a plant row segment that the distance sensor (130) faces; the first nozzle (222) directed toward a first zone (432) with a first lateral spacing with respect to the plant row segment based on a spray pattern of the first nozzle (222); the second nozzle (224) directed toward a second zone (434) with a second lateral spacing with respect to the plant row segment based on a spray pattern of the second nozzle (224); and a nozzle control module (50) for selecting or activating one or more of the nozzles (222, 224) of the nozzle assembly (60) based to cover the first zone (432), the second zone (434), or both as a target zone for the plant row segment based on the measured distance (116).