Hydraulic Circuit Control for Localized Agricultural Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural spraying systems lack precise control over the application of phytosanitary products, leading to overuse or underuse due to broad treatment methods that do not account for the presence of weeds, pests, or diseases, resulting in inefficient use of resources and potential harm to crops.
Innovation Solution
A computerized device that controls a hydraulic circuit for distributing a liquid product, using a detection system to determine the location and health status of plants, and adjusts nozzle openings and pressure to apply the correct dose of phytosanitary products directly to targeted areas, ensuring precise and localized treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If broad treatment methods are used to treat the entire agricultural plot, then the treatment coverage is complete, but the amount of phytosanitary products used increases and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by controlling each nozzle individually based on detected weed locations. The system varies the treatment application at different spatial locations, applying phytosanitary products only where weeds are present rather than uniformly across the entire plot. This enables precise localized treatment that reduces overall product usage while maintaining effective weed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the treatment process by dividing the agricultural plot into discrete zones based on weed detection. Each zone is treated independently with appropriate dosage, allowing the system to apply treatments selectively to specific areas rather than treating the entire plot uniformly. This segmentation enables precise control over product application quantities.
2Quantity of substance
If localized application of phytosanitary products is implemented, then the quantity of products used is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with electronic and optical components. A detection system using cameras or sensors identifies weed locations, and this information is processed electronically to control nozzle operation. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic control reduces overall device complexity while enabling precise localized application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service by using the detection system's own output to directly control the treatment application. The detected weed locations automatically trigger corresponding nozzle activation without requiring external manual control. This self-regulating mechanism simplifies the control architecture while achieving precise localized treatment.
3Measurement precision
If the nozzles are controlled one by one for localized spraying, then the treatment precision is improved, but the pressure control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the hydraulic system adaptable to varying operational conditions. The system dynamically adjusts pressure and flow based on real-time nozzle activation patterns and detected weed locations. This dynamic control enables precise individual nozzle operation while maintaining overall hydraulic system stability through continuous adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by monitoring hydraulic pressure and flow conditions and adjusting control signals accordingly. When nozzles are activated selectively based on weed detection, the feedback mechanism maintains appropriate pressure levels to ensure consistent spray performance. This feedback control resolves the pressure control difficulties associated with individual nozzle operation.
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
This solution allows for controlled and localized treatment, reducing the amount of phytosanitary products used by up to 90% and ensuring the correct dose is applied only to areas needing it, thereby improving crop yield and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a supply system pumping said liquid product to the continuous circulation distribution circuit
Implementation Method 2
a distribution circuit in continuous circulation supplying a plurality of nozzles
Data Source
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AI summary
Control device for regulating a hydraulic circuit of the pressure and the dose actually sprayed, applied in localized or modulated spraying nozzle by nozzle or by group of nozzles on target plants (4) of an agricultural crop (5), for the localized treatment of an agricultural crop.