Agrochemical Marker Verification System for Equipment Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agrochemical delivery systems lack effective means to ensure that only approved agrochemicals are used with agricultural equipment, leading to potential inefficiencies and equipment damage from unauthorized products.

Innovation Solution

A marker system comprising a sensor and control module that verifies the presence of specific chemical markers or information on agrochemical containers, preventing unauthorized products from being used with the equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If agrochemical delivery systems use specialized equipment for specific applications, then delivery efficacy is improved, but the risk of equipment damage from unauthorized agrochemicals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery efficacyVSAvoidequipment damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of agrochemical authorization before delivery operations commence. Sensors detect marker compounds or read identifiers on containers prior to engagement with specialized equipment, preventing unauthorized substances from entering the delivery system and potentially causing damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Marker compounds or identification tags serve as intermediaries between the agrochemical container and the delivery equipment. These markers enable the sensor system to verify authorization without direct contact between the agrochemical and equipment control systems, allowing safe verification while maintaining delivery efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the system implements marker verification using sensors and control modules, then agrochemical authorization control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveagrochemical authorization controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical verification methods with sensor-based detection. Instead of physical keys, locks, or manual verification procedures, the system uses chemical sensors to detect marker compounds or optical/electromagnetic sensors to read identification tags, simplifying the verification mechanism while maintaining authorization control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The agrochemical containers themselves provide verification information through integrated markers or identification tags. The sensor system automatically detects these markers during the loading process, enabling self-verification without requiring external authorization documentation or complex manual verification procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures that only approved agrochemicals are used with agricultural equipment, enhancing efficacy and preventing damage by controlling the use of agrochemicals based on real-time verification.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor can include a chemical sensor with a probe configured to extend into the container and sense whether a specific chemical marker is within the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP3490376B1Marker system to confirm proper agrochemical compositions and formulations
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 FMC CORP
  • EP3490376B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3490376B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3490376B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A marker system including at least one sensor configured to be positioned relative to a container to obtain information regarding content within the container, and a control module which receives the sensed information. Based on the sensed information, the system determines if the content of the container is approved for use for the particular application and/or equipment. By way of example, the information being sensed can be a marker chemical added to the content of the container, an ingredient in the container, or information read from outside the container.