Coated Granular Fertilizers Polymer Coating Mechanical Rigidity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional fertilization systems fail to enhance the mechanical rigidity of granular fertilizers while efficiently delivering additional agricultural compounds like wetting agents and nanoparticles, leading to degradation and dust issues during handling and application.

Innovation Solution

Development of coated particles with a two-stage polymer coating that includes a water-soluble first polymer and a copolymer, which improves soil water retention, mechanical rigidity, and protects inner fertilizer particles, allowing for the inclusion of multiple fertilizers and agricultural products, including nanoparticles and microorganisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If granular fertilizers are applied in dry form for storage and transport, then ease of handling is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates leading to breakage and degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handlingVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining granular fertilizer with polymer coatings (such as polyvinyl alcohol and other water-soluble polymers) to create a composite granular structure. This composite formulation provides the mechanical strength needed to resist breakage during handling and transport while maintaining the dry granular form for ease of operation. The polymer matrix binds the fertilizer particles together, creating a robust composite that withstands mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses polymer coatings as flexible shells that envelop the granular fertilizer particles. These thin film coatings provide mechanical protection and structural integrity to the granules during storage and transport. The flexible polymer shell allows the granule to withstand compression and impact forces without breaking, while still maintaining the desired granular form for easy handling and application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If multiple fertilizers and agricultural compounds are included in a single application, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple fertilizers and agricultural compounds into a single composite granular formulation. Different fertilizer types (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium compounds) and agricultural additives (wetting agents, growth regulators, nanoparticles) are combined within the same granular structure, coated with the polymer matrix. This merging allows all components to be applied simultaneously in a single operation, greatly improving productivity without requiring complex multi-component application systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal fertilization product that performs multiple functions within a single granule. The composite formulation can include macronutrients, micronutrients, wetting agents, and other agricultural compounds that work together to provide comprehensive plant nutrition and protection. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate applications of different products, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If polymer coating is applied to increase mechanical rigidity, then strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical rigidityVSAvoidcoating uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing the water-soluble nature of the polymer coating materials. The coating is applied as an aqueous solution or slurry that can be easily mixed with the granular fertilizer components. The water content and polymer concentration are optimized to achieve uniform coating without requiring precision control of application thickness. After application, the coating dries or is cured to form the desired rigid structure, with the parameter changes from liquid to solid providing the necessary mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The coated particles effectively increase the mechanical strength of granular fertilizers, reduce dust formation, and enhance soil water retention, enabling efficient delivery and uptake of nutrients by plants while maintaining stability during handling and application.

Implementation Method 1

improve soil water retention

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater retention: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

dehydrating the coating solution to generate dry coated granular fertilizer particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDehydration: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20240190786A1Coated granular fertilizers and methods of making coated granular fertilizers

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 AQUA YIELD OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

Coated granular fertilizers for improved mechanical rigidity and delayed release of fertilizer compounds. A coated particle includes an inner particle comprising a fertilizer granule and a coating disposed on a surface of the inner particle. The coating includes a first polymer that is water soluble and a second polymer comprising a copolymer.