Dynamic Nozzle Assembly for Root Zone Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprayer systems often fail to accurately target root zones or foliage zones of plants, leading to inefficient application of nutrients, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides, as nozzles are typically fixed and do not adapt to varying plant configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a vehicle and implement data processing system with sensors and actuators to dynamically adjust nozzle positions and activate specific nozzles based on real-time plant location and maturity data, ensuring precise targeting of root or foliage zones through a network of sensors and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fixed nozzles are used in a Y-drop sprayer configuration, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the nozzles cannot accurately target root zones or foliage zones as plant configurations vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable nozzle assembly that can dynamically adjust its position between different spray patterns (e.g., root zone targeting vs. foliage zone targeting) based on real-time sensor feedback about plant characteristics. This transforms the fixed nozzle system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying plant configurations, resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (nozzle position, spray pattern selection) based on detected plant parameters (height, maturity, root zone depth). By linking parameter changes to sensor data, the system achieves accurate targeting without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms, thus balancing precision with manageable complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzles are used to cover different zones, then the system can target both root zones and foliage zones, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sprayer system is divided into multiple independently controllable nozzle units, each capable of being activated or deactivated based on the detected plant type and treatment requirements. This segmentation allows the system to provide versatile zone coverage while maintaining manageable complexity by only activating the necessary subset of nozzles for each specific application scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform different spray functions (root zone application, foliage application, intermediate zones) by adjusting its position and activation pattern. This universal design allows a single nozzle assembly to replace what would otherwise require multiple specialized nozzle systems, achieving versatility without proportional increases in complexity.
3Measurement precision
If automated nozzle selection based on sensor data is implemented, then treatment precision is improved, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensor data and plant models to identify only the critical zones that require treatment, activating nozzles specifically for those zones rather than spraying all areas uniformly. This partial action approach maintains high measurement precision for zone identification while reducing energy consumption by limiting spray application to only where necessary.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for treating plants with respect to estimated root zones comprises estimating a growth state or maturity state of a plant based on a planting date, a current date and the crop type of the plant. A root zone estimator or data processor estimating a size, diameter or radius of a root zone of the plant based on the determined growth state or maturity state. The data processor or nozzle control module adjusts a lateral offset of a spray pattern of a nozzle assembly of one or more nozzles based on the size, diameter or radius to target alignment or maximization of overlap area of a crop input directed to a strip or zone with respect to the corresponding root zone.