Adjustable Density Water-Dispersible Granular Carrier for Active Agents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pesticide delivery methods, such as granular applications, face inefficiencies due to uneven distribution, persistence, and environmental concerns, while spray applications are skill-intensive and wasteful, leading to non-target hazards and environmental degradation.

Innovation Solution

A vegetation culture active agent delivery medium comprising a blend of dense mineral granules and less dense cellulosic granules, allowing for adjustable density between 35 and 60 pounds per cubic foot, which enhances handling and usage efficiency, and includes an active agent present from 1×10−5 to 10 total weight percent, facilitating tailored spreading and reduced dust formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If granular active agents are used for broadcast application, then large areas can be covered with minimal operator traversal, but the active agent remains in solid form for considerable time resulting in reduced efficacy and potential loss via volatilization or photodegradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage area per operator traversalVSAvoidactive agent efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The granular carrier is segmented into water-soluble granules that break down upon contact with water, releasing the active agent in controlled portions rather than as a single persistent solid mass, thereby maintaining efficacy while enabling broad coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the active agent delivery system is changed from persistent solid granules to water-dispersible granules that transition to liquid or dissolved state upon water contact, altering the parameter of physical form to improve both coverage and efficacy reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If high density granular material is used, then active agent concentration per unit mass increases, but excessive active agent is applied per unit area of ground

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive agent concentration per unit massVSAvoidexcessive active agent application

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The density of the granular carrier is adjusted by modifying its physical and chemical properties to achieve optimal density that balances active agent concentration with safe application rates, preventing both under-dosing and over-dosing scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The granular carrier is formulated as a composite material with specific density characteristics that allow precise control over active agent distribution, combining materials to achieve the desired balance between concentration and application safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of substance

If low density granular material is used, then active agent concentration per unit mass decreases, but the material is underutilized per unit area of ground

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive agent application safetyVSAvoidactive agent concentration per unit mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The granular carrier density is optimized to prevent underutilization while maintaining safe application rates, adjusting the physical properties to achieve the precise density needed for effective active agent delivery without waste or deficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Duration of action of stationary object

If persistent granules are used, then long-term active agent delivery is achieved, but increased likelihood of contact with people and beneficial organisms resulting in health effects and environmental degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegranule persistenceVSAvoidhuman health and environmental effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The persistent granule is segmented into water-soluble components that break down into smaller particles upon water contact, reducing the persistence of intact granules and thereby minimizing contact hazards to people and beneficial organisms while maintaining active agent delivery effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Ease of operation

If spray application of liquid active agent is used, then contact with exposed foliage is achieved, but considerable active agent is lost through volatilization and wind drift requiring greater quantities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoliage coverageVSAvoidactive agent loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The physical state of the active agent delivery system is changed from liquid spray to water-dispersible granules, altering the delivery mechanism to reduce volatilization and wind drift losses while maintaining effective foliage coverage through water-mediated release

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8486430B2Adjustable density, partially water-dispersible carrier for active agents

Publication Date: 2013.07.16 THE ANDERSONS INC

AI summary

A vegetation culture active agent delivery medium is provided that includes dense mineral granules, comparatively less dense cellulosic granules, and an active agent in simultaneous contact with the mineral granules and the cellulosic granules, the active agent present from 1×10−5 to 10 total weight percent of the medium. A formulation of an active agent is applied to one type of granule as a mixture thereof. Through control of the relative amounts of mineral and cellulosic granules, a controlled medium density is readily adjusted between 35 and 60 pounds per cubic foot.