Fertilizer Grain Distribution Capture Using Multi-Point Collectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the distribution of fertilizer grains during spreading are prone to deviations due to variations in fertilizer quality, spreader settings, and environmental conditions, leading to inaccuracies in the actual distribution pattern.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of collecting devices, such as adhesive mats or measuring trays, to capture the distribution of fertilizer grains, combined with imaging devices like cameras to analyze and interpolate the distribution, allowing for precise determination of the spreading pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single adhesive mat/plate is used to catch and hold fertilizer grains, then the distribution can be determined at that location, but the measurement precision is reduced due to deviations in fertilizer quality, spreader settings, and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple collecting devices (adhesive mats or measuring trays) positioned at different locations. Instead of relying on a single measurement point, the system segments the spreading area into multiple zones, each monitored by a separate collecting device. This segmentation allows for better statistical representation of the overall distribution pattern and reduces the impact of local variations caused by fertilizer quality deviations, spreader settings, or environmental conditions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple collecting devices are used to improve distribution determination accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal collecting devices that can function in multiple roles. The same type of adhesive mat or measuring tray can be positioned at different locations and serves both as a collection surface and a measurement target. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each measurement point, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved measurement precision through multiple sampling locations.
3Measurement precision
If adhesive mats/plates are used to catch fertilizer grains, then the distribution can be captured, but the cost and waste of materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adhesive mats or measuring trays as temporary copies or representations of the actual spreading pattern. These collecting devices capture a snapshot of the fertilizer distribution without requiring permanent installation or complex reusable structures. After use, the mats can be removed, analyzed, and potentially reused or replaced with simple, low-cost materials, thereby reducing overall material consumption and waste compared to more permanent measurement systems.
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
Enables accurate determination of fertilizer grain distribution and spreading parameters, improving the precision and reliability of fertilizer application by adjusting spreader settings for optimal coverage.
Implementation Method 1
a collecting device may comprise or be an adhesive mat/plate
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a distribution of fertilizer grains comprising the steps of laying out at least two collecting devices for fertilizer grains at predetermined positions, spreading the fertilizer grains over the at least two collecting devices using a fertilizer spreader and capturing the distribution of the fertilizer grains on the at least two collecting devices.