Automated Nozzle Selection for Crop Root and Foliage Spraying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprayer systems with fixed nozzle configurations often fail to target the root zone or foliage zone effectively, as these zones can vary for different crop treatments, leading to inefficient application of nutrients, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a location-determining receiver, distance sensors, and a guidance module to automatically select and align nozzles based on the position of the sprayer relative to plant rows, ensuring maximum coverage of target zones around the plants by activating specific nozzles based on measured distances and spray patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed nozzle configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different target zones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and activates different nozzles based on real-time plant row position and target zone requirements. The nozzle assembly transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic selective activation system where the control module determines which nozzles to operate based on measured distances and spray pattern requirements, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selectively activating different nozzles from the assembly based on varying conditions such as plant row spacing, target zone location (root zone vs. foliage zone), and spray pattern requirements. This parameter-based selection allows the same physical nozzle assembly to adapt to different application scenarios without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automated nozzle selection is implemented, then adaptability to different target zones is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module serves multiple functions: it processes distance sensor data, determines sprayer position relative to plant rows, selects appropriate nozzles based on target zone requirements, and activates the selected nozzles. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single control unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function, making the added complexity more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical nozzle selection and adjustment with an automated electronic control system that uses sensor data and algorithms to determine nozzle activation. This substitution of mechanical operations with electronic control enables adaptability while containing complexity through software-based decision-making rather than complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If fixed nozzle position is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but spray application precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically selecting and activating the appropriate nozzles based on real-time measurements of plant row position and target zone location. The control module independently determines which nozzles to operate without requiring manual intervention, maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise spray application through automated decision-making based on sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from distance sensors and position determination to continuously monitor the sprayer's location relative to plant rows and adjust nozzle selection accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise spray application by matching nozzle activation to actual field conditions, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and precision application.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for spraying plants comprises a location-determining receiver for estimating a position of a sprayer with respect to one or more rows of plants. A distance sensor is arranged to measure a distance between a nozzle assembly and a plant row segment. A guidance module is adapted to align the nozzle assembly with a target path between the rows of plants, such as a centered path between the rows, or offset between the rows of the plants. A first nozzle is targeted toward a first zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a first spray pattern of the first nozzle. A second nozzle is targeted toward a second zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a second spray pattern of the second nozzle. A nozzle selection module for selecting automatically a first nozzle or a second nozzle based on maximum coverage of a target zone around the plant segment based on the first zone, the second zone, and the measured distance.