Flexible Row Application Units for Precise Rhizosphere Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges exist in controlling fluid applications, such as fertilizers and chemicals, between rows of agricultural plants, leading to inefficiencies and waste of crop inputs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of application units with flexible members and plant contacting mechanisms that adjust the orientation of fluid outlets based on plant proximity, ensuring precise application to the rhizosphere or base regions of plants, using feelers and linkage systems to maintain equidistance from plant rows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sprayers and sidedress bars are used for fluid application between rows, then coverage area is increased, but application precision and control for different row units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The implement is divided into multiple independent row units, each equipped with its own application unit. Each row unit can independently control fluid application to adjacent row units, allowing precise targeting without requiring complex centralized control systems. This segmentation enables each unit to operate autonomously while contributing to overall field coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional between-row application to application at the base of each plant by positioning fluid outlets in close proximity to the rhizosphere. This dimensional change in application location enables precise delivery directly to the target zone, improving application precision without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
2Loss of substance
If fluid application is applied between rows with traditional equipment, then large area coverage is achieved, but crop input waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each row unit is equipped with fluid outlets positioned to apply fluid specifically to the rhizosphere or base region of adjacent plants. This localized application ensures that crop inputs are delivered precisely where needed, minimizing drift and waste while maintaining high application efficiency across the entire field.
Solution Approach 2:
The application units are designed to automatically adjust and position themselves relative to each row unit as the implement moves through the field. The system self-regulates fluid delivery to maintain optimal application rates and placement without requiring external intervention, reducing both waste and operational complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If flexible members and plant contacting mechanisms are used to adjust outlet orientation, then application precision to target regions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid outlets are mounted on flexible members that can dynamically adjust their orientation and position in response to contact with plants or ground. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain precise placement accuracy throughout operation without requiring complex active control mechanisms, as the flexibility itself provides the adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible members and linkage systems act as intermediaries between the rigid frame structure and the fluid outlets. These intermediaries absorb positioning adjustments and orientation changes, allowing precise fluid delivery without requiring direct complex control mechanisms at each outlet, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Implements include application units for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, an application unit includes a frame to be positioned in operation between two rows of plants and a plurality of flexible members coupled to the frame in operation such that the plurality of flexible members guide a lateral position of the frame to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whether at least one flexible member of the plurality of flexible members contacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants. The plurality of flexible members include a plurality of fluid outlets for spraying crop input in close proximity to the rows of plants.