Laterally Adjustable Nutrient Dispenser for Precision Row Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements that dispense nutrients between crop rows often result in inefficiencies, as plants may not absorb nutrients effectively, leading to increased costs for growers due to the need for higher dosages in the middle zone between rows, while dispensing closer to plant stems could reduce nutrient amounts needed while maintaining or increasing yields.
Innovation Solution
A ground-engaging implement with lateral position adjustment, featuring a frame with movable row units and actuators that allow for dynamic adjustment of nutrient application zones closer to plant rows, enabling precise targeting of nutrients and seeds, reducing waste and optimizing nutrient use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If nutrients are dispensed in the middle zone between adjacent crop rows, then nutrient application is simplified and coverage is uniform, but plants cannot absorb nutrients effectively requiring greater dosages and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The row frame is made laterally movable relative to the implement frame through actuators, allowing the nutrient dispensing system to dynamically adjust its lateral position. This enables the system to transition from fixed middle-zone dispensing to variable position dispensing closer to plant rows, resolving the contradiction by making the application method adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral position parameter of the row frame is changed dynamically during operation. By adjusting the lateral offset distance between the nutrient outlet and plant rows, the system optimizes nutrient placement precision, allowing plants to absorb nutrients more effectively and reducing the required nutrient dosage while maintaining application simplicity
2Reliability
If greater dosages or concentrations of nutrients are applied in the middle zone, then desired nutrient placement results are achieved, but growers' costs increase to purchase greater amounts of nutrients
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniform nutrient dispensing in the middle zone, the system provides localized nutrient application by positioning outlets closer to specific plant rows. This localizes the nutrient delivery to where plants can most effectively absorb it, improving placement effectiveness while reducing the total nutrient amount required
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the conventional mechanical approach of fixed middle-zone dispensing with a laterally adjustable mechanism controlled by actuators. This substitution enables precise positioning of nutrient outlets near plant rows, ensuring reliable nutrient placement with reduced quantities
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed lateral separation between nutrient outlet and plant row is used, then the structure is simple, but the implement cannot adapt to different target application zones
Solution Approach 1:
The row frame is designed with lateral movability through actuators, transforming the fixed structure into a dynamic system. This allows the implement to adapt to different target application zones by adjusting the lateral position, accepting increased complexity as a trade-off for versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The laterally adjustable row frame serves multiple functions: it can dispense nutrients at various lateral positions, adapt to different crop row configurations, and target different application zones within the same implement. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing universal adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
A row frame is coupled to the rear member. A first opener is configured to open the soil; the first opener is supported by or from a first support extending downward from the frame member. A first outlet is configured to dispense or apply a nutrient strip. A laterally movable carrier is associated with the row frame. The carrier supports the first opener and the first outlet. A second outlet can dispense or plant seed, wherein the first outlet and the second outlet have a lateral separation that is dynamically adjustable during the simultaneous application of seed and the nutrient strip.