GPS-Controlled Fertilizer Spreader Switch Points
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for distributing mineral fertilizer using two-disc spreaders result in under- or over-fertilization when transitioning between the field and the headland due to imprecise switch-on and switch-off points of the dosing devices, leading to uneven fertilizer distribution.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of complex calculation methods to determine optimized switch-off and switch-on points based on the type of fertilizer, working width, and speed of the spreader discs, ensuring precise control via GPS-controlled dosing computers to minimize under- and over-fertilization by adjusting the distance from the field boundary to the center of the spreading discs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dosing devices are switched off early when transitioning to the headland, then the driver has time to focus on the turning process, but under-fertilization occurs in the field because the fertilizer distribution does not reach the center of the semi-circular pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual switching control with an automated GPS-based dosing computer system that automatically switches the dosing devices on and off at precisely calculated positions. This eliminates the need for the driver to manually switch devices while maintaining focus on driving, and ensures accurate fertilizer distribution by using GPS coordinates to determine optimal switch points based on the semi-circular distribution pattern geometry.
2Manufacturing precision
If the dosing devices are switched on late when entering the field, then the fertilizer distribution overlaps properly with the headland, but under-fertilization occurs in the field area
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing computer calculates and stores optimal switch-on and switch-off GPS coordinates in advance for each field boundary. When approaching the field, the system automatically switches on the dosing devices at the pre-calculated switch-on point, ensuring that fertilizer distribution begins at the correct position to achieve proper overlap with the headland while maintaining adequate field coverage. This preliminary calculation and automatic execution eliminates the trade-off between overlap quality and coverage quantity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the spreading width is increased to achieve good fertilizer distribution overlap, then the throwing distance increases, but the problems at field borders in the headland area worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spreading strategies for different locations: in the field area, a larger spreading width is used to ensure adequate overlap between passes, while at the headland boundary, the dosing computer automatically adjusts by calculating precise switch-on and switch-off points that account for the semi-circular distribution pattern. This local adaptation through GPS-based control allows the system to maintain even fertilizer distribution in the field while preventing over-spraying and border spreading problems in the headland area.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The method involves providing two strategies according to the operation mode of the farmer. A Global positioning systemcontrolled switch off and switch on point and an optimized fertilizer distribution are enabled depending on the stimulated calculation method per fertilizer distribution, diffusing panel type, speed of the diffusing panel and working width (AB).