Automated Fertigation Controller with Multi-Pump Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional manual fertigation systems are inefficient and prone to errors, requiring significant labor and time for data recording and pH calibration, leading to potential equipment damage and crop loss due to inaccurate fertilizer application and pump adjustments, which cannot be made outside of irrigation hours.

Innovation Solution

An automated fertigation apparatus with a controller managing multiple pumps to deliver precise amounts of fertilizers and nutrients, including pH adjustment, using wireless communication for remote monitoring and adjustments, reducing the need for on-site technicians and enabling continuous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual recording and adjustment methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but labor time and error rates increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidlabor time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of pH levels and fertilizer application rates through automated sensors and control algorithms, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical recording and adjustment processes are replaced with electronic sensors, wireless communication modules, and automated control systems that continuously monitor and adjust fertigation parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual pH calibration and pump adjustments are performed, then system cost is reduced, but reliability decreases due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors pH levels and fertilizer application rates through sensors, compares actual values with target values, and automatically adjusts pump operations to maintain optimal conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that eliminates human error

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system performs self-calibration and self-correction of pH levels and pump settings based on real-time sensor data, ensuring consistent operational reliability without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated control systems are implemented, then productivity and precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefertigation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system is divided into independent modular components including pH sensors, fertilizer dosage pumps, wireless communication modules, and control algorithms, allowing for easier installation, maintenance, and scalability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves multiple functions including monitoring pH levels, controlling pump operations, storing historical data, providing alarm notifications, and enabling remote access through wireless communication, consolidating what could be multiple separate systems into one integrated unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If manual data recording is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but information accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Manual paper-based recording systems are replaced with electronic sensors that automatically measure and digital record-keeping systems that store precise pH levels, fertilizer application rates, and operational parameters with high accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously captures real-time operational data through sensors and stores it in memory, providing accurate historical records that can be analyzed for optimization and troubleshooting purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10645868B2Apparatus for automated fertilization and/or irrigation, and methods of making and using the same

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 DEERPOINT GROUP LLC

AI summary

An automated irrigation and/or fertigation apparatus, including a container, a plurality of pumps in the container, and a controller operably connected to each of the plurality of pumps is disclosed. Each of the pumps is configured to provide a unique fertilizer, nutrient and/or micronutrient to irrigation water. The controller is configured to control settings of each of the pumps to provide a predetermined amount of each unique fertilizer, nutrient and/or micronutrient to the irrigation water over a predetermined period of time. Corresponding methods of fertilizing a field and of making the automated irrigation and/or fertigation apparatus are also disclosed.