Automated Agricultural Sprayer Loading System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural sprayers require manual effort and exposure to fluids during filling, which is inefficient and poses safety risks, as they typically need multiple people to connect storage tank inputs to filling lines, leading to increased operational complexity and resource usage.
Innovation Solution
An automated loading system that includes an interlock system, sensing system, and control system to determine the optimal time and location for refilling, allowing the sprayer to automatically couple with a tender, calculate the exact amount of product needed, and control valve operations for efficient filling without the operator leaving the cab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual filling operation is used, then the operator can control the filling process, but the operator must exit the cab and is exposed to fluid transfer, increasing safety risks and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated detection and coupling. The sprayer autonomously detects its position relative to the tender, determines when to initiate filling, and automatically couples the intake coupler to the supply coupler without operator intervention. The control system manages the entire filling sequence, including valve operations, eliminating the need for operators to manually connect hoses and reducing exposure to fluid hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control systems. Sensors detect position and coupling status, while electronic control systems manage the filling process, valve operations, and communication between the sprayer and tender. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with automated electronic-mechanical systems reduces operator involvement and improves safety.
2Productivity
If traditional tendering system is used, then multiple people are required for filling, but this increases resource usage and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through sensors that continuously monitor the sprayer's position relative to the tender and the coupling status between the intake and supply couplers. This feedback enables the control system to automatically initiate filling when the sprayer is in the correct position and the couplers are connected, and to stop filling when the tank reaches the desired level or the couplers disconnect, optimizing resource usage and reducing filling time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system determines the optimal time to initiate filling based on projected product needs and current tank levels, allowing the tender to prepare the exact amount of product needed before the operator arrives. This preliminary calculation and preparation eliminates wasted time and resources by ensuring the tender is ready with the precise quantity required.
3Extent of automation
If automated coupling system is implemented, then filling can occur without operator intervention, but precise position detection and coupling verification are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary detection devices between the sprayer and tender systems. These sensors serve as mediators that detect the sprayer's position relative to the tender and verify whether the intake coupler is properly connected to the supply coupler. The sensor signals are transmitted to the control system, which uses this intermediary detection information to make automated decisions about initiating and managing the filling process.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent, automated system for loading agricultural product application equipment is provided in which a control system can determine a necessary amount of product for completing a field operation and can automatically couple with a tendering system to receive such product at an optimal time and location. The control system can determine a current amount of product, a projected amount of product necessary to complete a field operation and a refill amount of product from the current amount and the projected amount, then transmit the refill amount to the tender. The control system can further determine whether a position of the equipment relative to the tender is within a threshold, and whether an intake coupler of the equipment is connected to a supply coupler of the tender, and can control valve(s) to open and close channel(s) for loading fluid into the storage tank.