Configurable Nozzle Array for Precision Crop Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop protectant spraying methods lack precision, failing to target specific areas within a field and accommodate varying crop row widths, leading to excessive overspray and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising nozzle and valve assembly arrays, with manifolds that can be configured in open or nested states to minimize overlap, and cassettes with independently controlled nozzles of different spray patterns, coupled with a system controller for targeted treatment fluid application based on plant detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional broadcast sprayers are used to apply treatment fluid across a field, then coverage area is maximized, but precision of application deteriorates leading to overspray and chemical waste
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system is divided into multiple independently controllable nozzle groups arranged in a grid pattern across the field. Each nozzle or nozzle group can be activated or deactivated individually based on real-time plant detection, allowing precise targeting of treatment areas while avoiding overspray in adjacent fields or non-target zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts spray patterns by controlling individual nozzles based on real-time detection of plant presence and characteristics. The spray configuration changes from static broadcast patterns to dynamic, adaptive patterns that respond to actual field conditions, enabling precise application only where needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hooded broadcast sprayers are used to limit spray to specific fields, then adjacent field contamination is reduced, but application precision within the field deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single hood structure, the system segments the field into multiple nozzle zones that can be independently controlled. This allows the spray to be confined to specific areas within the field without requiring physical hood barriers, achieving both containment and precision through electronic control of individual nozzle groups.
Solution Approach 2:
Different nozzle groups can be activated with different spray patterns, pressures, or timings based on local field conditions. This allows the system to adapt spray characteristics to specific zones within the field, providing both containment and precise application tailored to local requirements.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If color recognition software is used to detect green plants for spraying, then basic plant detection is achieved, but targeted area precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different detection and spray strategies to different areas based on local plant characteristics. By detecting plant presence and activating only the nozzles corresponding to detected plants, the system achieves precise targeted application beyond simple green/not-green detection, treating each plant or plant cluster individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time detection feedback to control nozzle activation. When plants are detected in a specific area, the corresponding nozzles are activated; when no plants are detected, the nozzles remain inactive. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise targeted application based on actual plant presence rather than predetermined patterns.
4Device complexity
If fixed spray patterns are used for broadcast spraying, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying crop row widths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed, static spray patterns to dynamic, adjustable patterns. Each nozzle group can be independently controlled to adapt to varying crop row widths and configurations. The system detects plant positions and activates appropriate nozzles dynamically, providing versatility without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The same nozzle array can serve multiple functions and adapt to different field configurations through electronic control. By programming different activation patterns for different nozzle groups, the system can handle varying crop row widths, different plant densities, and various field geometries without requiring physical reconfiguration, achieving universality through software control.
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment system for spraying treatment fluid onto plants in a field is described. The treatment system includes a highly configurable treatment mechanism including an array of nozzles and valve assemblies coupled into manifolds, and manifold assemblies. The manifolds of the manifold assemblies can be oriented in an open state or a nested state, the open state with no overlap between nozzles of adjacent manifolds and the nested state with overlap between nozzles of adjacent manifolds. The manifolds can have multiple configurations, examples of which include a tube manifold and an offset manifold. The nozzles of the system can have multiple configurations, examples of which include a tri-spray nozzle, a bar nozzle, a fan nozzle, and a deflected fan nozzle. The system can be controlled by a system controller which detects plant material and instructs a nozzle or combination of nozzles to spray treatment fluid.