Granule Center of Gravity Detection for Precision Fertilizer Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural spreading machines produce fertilizer portions with uneven granule distribution, affecting nutrient supply to plants, as the distribution and position of the center of gravity are not considered during application.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sensors to detect granule distribution and calculate the position of the center of gravity, allowing for optimal placement of fertilizer and seed, using optoelectronic sensors and electronic data processing to determine the center of mass, area, or volume, and storing calibration data for machine adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional band application of fertilizer is replaced by discontinuous application of fertilizer portions, then nutrient supply optimization is improved, but granule distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the granule distribution and calculates the center of gravity position before the fertilizer portion is deposited. This allows the placement position to be predetermined based on actual granule distribution, ensuring optimal nutrient supply despite uneven granule arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual granule distribution in real-time, feeds this information back to the control system, which then calculates the center of gravity and adjusts the placement position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the fertilizer portion is placed at the optimal position relative to the seed based on actual granule arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fertilizer portions with uneven granule distribution are applied, then application flexibility is improved, but nutrient supply precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the placement position parameter based on the detected granule distribution. By calculating the center of gravity position from actual granule arrangement, the system dynamically adjusts where the fertilizer portion should be placed, maintaining precision despite variations in granule distribution patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The center of gravity position is calculated in advance based on detected granule distribution, allowing the system to predetermined the optimal placement position before deposition, ensuring precise nutrient supply even with flexible application conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the center of gravity position is not considered during application, then application process simplicity is improved, but nutrient supply effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual estimation or fixed-position placement with automated optical detection and electronic calculation of the center of gravity position. Sensors detect granule distribution, and a control system automatically calculates and applies the correct placement position, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring effectiveness.
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
Ensures precise nutrient delivery by accurately positioning fertilizer portions relative to seeds, enhancing plant nutrition and adapting to changing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the particle size distribution of the granule portion is detected by means of one or more optoelectronic sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the position of a portion center of gravity (20) of a portion of granules (16) produced by an agricultural spreading machine or by means of an experimental setup and having an uneven distribution from a plurality of granules (18).