Crop Input Application Vehicle with Segmented Boom and Dynamic Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current crop input application systems lack efficient and adaptable methods for applying inputs like water and secondary chemicals across fields, particularly in terms of maneuverability, precision, and variable application rates.

Innovation Solution

A crop input application vehicle equipped with a transversely extending boom, wheel assemblies, a reel, and applicators, which includes a conduit system for fluid communication with a water source and sensors for real-time agronomic data, allowing for adjustable speed and direction traversal and precise application of inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a traditional irrigation system is used to apply crop inputs, then water distribution is achieved, but the system lacks precision and adaptability for variable application rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication rate precisionVSAvoidvariable application rate adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamically adjustable flow control valves at each applicator location, allowing real-time modification of application rates based on crop needs, soil conditions, and location within the field. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise variable rate application while maintaining system versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on application rates, crop conditions, and system performance. This feedback loop enables automated adjustment of flow rates and identification of clogged or malfunctioning applicators, improving both precision and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If applicators are positioned close to the crop rows for precision, then application accuracy improves, but the risk of clogging from plant contact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication accuracyVSAvoidapplicator reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes flexible tubing to deliver crop inputs from the boom to individual applicators. This flexible delivery system can accommodate close positioning to crop rows while protecting against clogging, as the flexible tubing can be designed with appropriate diameter and material properties to resist blockage from plant contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates screens or filters as intermediary components between the water source and applicators, and between the applicators and crop plants. These intermediaries prevent debris and plant material from entering the applicator nozzles, maintaining reliability while allowing precise positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid boom structure is used for stability, then structural integrity is maintained, but maneuverability and adaptability to terrain reduce

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboom stabilityVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The boom structure is divided into multiple segmented sections that can independently adjust their position and orientation. This segmentation allows the boom to maintain structural integrity through rigid connections while enabling maneuverability through articulated joints that can adapt to terrain variations and steering requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The boom incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with adjustable support legs and articulation points that can adapt to different terrain conditions. This dynamic structure maintains stability on uneven ground while allowing easy maneuvering and reconfiguration for different field conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If traversing speed is increased for productivity, then field coverage rate improves, but application precision and uniformity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield coverage rateVSAvoidapplication uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates flow sensors and meters that provide real-time feedback on application rates and traversing speed. This feedback enables automated adjustment of flow rates to maintain uniform application even at higher speeds, and allows operators to monitor and optimize the balance between productivity and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic change of application parameters including flow rate, pressure, and traversing speed based on real-time conditions. This capability allows the system to maintain optimal application uniformity across varying speeds by adjusting parameters such as nozzle pressure and flow rate to compensate for speed variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250098605A1Crop input application systems, methods, and apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 MA IND LLC

AI summary

Crop input application systems, methods and apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, an irrigation system is provided with a reel in fluid communication with a wellhead, secondary cart or fluid supply line outlet. In some embodiments, a drop assembly is incorporated in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, a crop applicator system traverses a field portion in a first direction and then traverses the field portion in a second, opposite direction.