Liquid Manure Vehicle Sensor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current liquid manure spreading technologies face challenges in accurately analyzing and optimizing the application of nutrients due to varying manure types, sediment layers, and logistical complexities, leading to inefficient and inaccurate fertilization.

Innovation Solution

A liquid manure vehicle equipped with sensors for real-time ingredient analysis and an evaluation device that adjusts the application rate based on measured data, using a line system with a pump and adjustable valve to ensure precise application according to legislative requirements and soil nutrient needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If stationary sensor systems are distributed over large areas in the floor, then measurement coverage is improved, but capital expenditure and system complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile mixing vehicle as an intermediary that moves through the storage facility, equipping it with sensors to measure ammonia and other parameters. This mobile platform serves as a mediator between the storage areas and the analysis system, eliminating the need for fixed sensor infrastructure in each location while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing vehicle performs multiple functions: it mixes the liquid manure to ensure homogeneity, transports it to the analysis laboratory, and simultaneously conducts measurements during transit. The vehicle serves itself by integrating mixing, transport, and measurement functions, reducing dependency on separate stationary systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If liquid manure is analyzed in a stationary laboratory, then analysis accuracy is improved, but processing time and logistical costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary mixing of the liquid manure in the storage facility before transport, ensuring homogeneity. This preliminary action prepares the sample in advance, so that when it reaches the analysis laboratory, the analysis can proceed immediately without additional preparation time, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile mixing vehicle continuously mixes the liquid manure during transport to the laboratory, maintaining homogeneity throughout the journey. This continuous useful action ensures that the sample remains representative from mixing through transport to analysis, eliminating gaps where stratification could occur and extend processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If conventional distribution devices are used, then application is simplified, but precision of nutrient application deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying manure composition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication simplicityVSAvoidapplication precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by measuring the actual composition of liquid manure (ammonia, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) before application. These measurements feed into a control system that automatically adjusts the application rate and distribution parameters, creating a closed-loop control that maintains precision while keeping operation simple through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution system transitions from static, fixed-rate application to dynamic, adaptive application. The system continuously adjusts distribution parameters based on real-time measurements of manure composition, allowing the application rate and pattern to change dynamically according to the actual nutrient content, thereby maintaining precision without complicating operation through manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient and accurate analysis and optimization of liquid manure application, reducing mechanical stress on components and avoiding laboratory delays, with improved precision and reduced logistical costs.

Implementation Method 1

a pump (P) which promotes the liquid manure (G) via a line system (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 75)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

at least one sensor (8, 18, 28, 38, 48, 78) for measuring the ingredients of the liquid manure (G) to be spread

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 3

an evaluation device (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 713) which generates control data which can be calculated by comparing the measured by the sensor ingredients actual data of the liquid manure with specifiable ingredient data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaluation and calculation:

Implementation Method 4

the distributor device (7, 17, 27, 37, 47, 77) is controlled by an adjustable device (6, 16, 26, 36, 46, 76) based on the control data in such a way that the amount of liquid manure (G) to be applied per unit area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve regulation: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP2107865B1Vehicle for deploying liquid manure
Publication Date: 2017.07.26 ZUNHAMMER SEBASTIAN
  • EP2107865B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2107865B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2107865B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and vehicle for deploying liquid manure, comprising a liquid manure sensor (8) which detects the component materials of the liquid manure (G) to be deployed, and an evaluation unit(10) which compares the detected values with preset component materials data. The volume of liquid manure (G) to be deployed per surface unit is calculated according to the result of this comparison. An adjustable valve (6) controls a distributor device (7) according to the result of the comparison, and the distributor device (7) deploys the calculated volume of liquid manure (G) onto the field.