Autonomous Crop Input Vehicle for Seed Orientation and Field Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop input applicators face challenges in efficiently and precisely applying seeds and agricultural inputs to crops, particularly in terms of orientation and distribution, and in autonomously navigating fields to follow predefined paths while adapting to varying crop heights and topography.
Innovation Solution
A crop input applicator vehicle equipped with a rotating reel, flexible conduit, and advanced seed metering systems that utilize sensors and control systems to orient seeds correctly and apply inputs like fertilizers and water, along with autonomous navigation capabilities using GPS and tactile sensors to follow paths and adapt to field conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional seed metering and application systems are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and orientation accuracy of seeds deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical seed metering systems with a robotic arm system equipped with sensors and control systems. The robotic arm uses tactile sensors to detect seed orientation and employs controlled mechanical manipulation to orient seeds precisely before placement, achieving high orientation accuracy while accepting increased system complexity through automation and electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates tactile sensors that allow the seed metering mechanism to automatically detect and adjust seed orientation without external intervention. The robotic arm autonomously orients each seed based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for complex pre-orientation mechanisms and enabling precise placement through self-correcting mechanical actions.
2Productivity
If manual field navigation is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but productivity and application efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual field navigation with an autonomous vehicle system equipped with GPS receivers, sensors, and control systems. The vehicle automatically navigates field paths, adjusts positioning, and coordinates seed application based on real-time sensor data and pre-programmed routes, significantly increasing productivity while reducing the need for manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous navigation system continuously receives feedback from GPS receivers, tactile sensors, and field condition sensors to adjust its path and application timing. This closed-loop control enables the vehicle to maintain optimal speed, follow precise paths, and coordinate seed placement with actual field conditions, maximizing application efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed path navigation is used, then the measurement precision of path following is improved, but adaptability to varying crop heights and topography deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic navigation system where the robotic vehicle continuously adjusts its path, speed, and seed application parameters based on real-time sensor feedback. The system can adapt to varying crop heights, terrain changes, and field conditions while maintaining accurate path following through active control mechanisms that respond to environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses tactile sensors, cameras, and other detectors to continuously monitor field conditions, crop height, and terrain variations. This feedback is processed by the control system to dynamically adjust navigation parameters and seed application timing, enabling the vehicle to maintain measurement precision while adapting to changing environmental conditions.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional application methods are used, then the loss of substance is reduced, but manufacturing precision and distribution uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic seed metering system automatically detects seed orientation using tactile sensors and adjusts the placement mechanism to ensure optimal seed positioning. This self-correcting mechanism minimizes seed waste by only placing properly oriented seeds and avoiding rejections, thereby achieving high placement precision while reducing substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors seed orientation, placement success, and field conditions through sensors and adjusts application parameters in real-time. This feedback control ensures that seeds and fertilizers are applied only when conditions are optimal, minimizing waste while maintaining high precision in input distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
Concepts presented herein relate to use of one or more vehicles in planting and growing crops. In some embodiments, the vehicles can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously. During use, the vehicles can apply seeds for planting and further apply agricultural inputs to a crop after planting.