Crop Input Delivery Couplers for Continuous Field Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements face frequent downtime due to limited tank capacity for crop inputs, requiring frequent refilling and resulting in extended operational downtime during planting seasons.
Innovation Solution
A delivery assembly system that includes a boom with adjustable positioning and couplers for transferring crop inputs from a mobile vehicle to an implement, allowing continuous operation by minimizing refilling stops through fluid communication via a hose or conduit with check valves to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tanks on agricultural implements have limited capacity, then the implement can be compact and maneuverable, but frequent refilling stops are required causing extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile vehicle equipped with a supply tank acts as an intermediary between the remote supply source and the agricultural implement. The mobile vehicle travels alongside the implement and transfers crop inputs through a delivery assembly with couplers, eliminating the need for the implement to stop at remote locations for refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous operation by allowing the implement to receive crop inputs on-demand from the mobile vehicle without interrupting field operations. The delivery assembly with quick-connect couplers allows the implement to service itself continuously as it moves through the field.
2Productivity
If the implement carries larger tanks to reduce refilling frequency, then operational continuity improves, but the implement becomes heavier and less maneuverable
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile vehicle serves as a mobile supply station that travels with the implement, providing continuous replenishment of crop inputs. This eliminates the need to increase tank size on the implement, maintaining its lightweight and maneuverable characteristics while achieving continuous operation.
3Productivity
If frequent refilling stops are made to maintain implement tank capacity, then crop input application rate can be maintained, but cumulative downtime extends the planting season duration
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery assembly enables continuous transfer of crop inputs from the mobile vehicle to the implement without interrupting field operations. The quick-connect couplers and boom positioning system ensure that refilling occurs seamlessly as the implement moves through the field, maintaining continuous crop input application throughout the planting season.
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 system enables continuous field operations by allowing seamless transfer of crop inputs from a mobile vehicle to an implement, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency by eliminating the need for frequent refilling.
Implementation Method 1
conduit in fluid communication with a supply tank that holds a supply of the crop input to be transferred to the implement. The delivery assembly may include a check valve to prevent leakage of the crop input
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery assembly for a crop input delivery system. The delivery system includes a boom adapted to be supported at a proximal end from a mobile vehicle, the mobile vehicle holding a supply of the crop input, the boom supporting a conduit having a proximal end in fluid communication with the supply of crop input. The delivery system further includes a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is supported on a distal end of the boom and is coupled to the conduit. The second coupler is in fluid communication with a storage tank disposed on the implement, the second coupler configured to fluidly couple with the first coupler. A clamping assembly releasably couples the first and second couplers in fluid engagement.