Manure Spreader NIR Spectrometer for Real-Time NPK Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the capability for precise, real-time measurement of NPK macronutrient content in solid organic fertilizers during application by manure spreaders, due to the variable composition and compactness of the fertilizers, leading to inaccuracies in optical probe measurements.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a near-infrared spectrometer within the manure spreader to measure the NPK macronutrient abundance using diffuse reflection, with a calibration model specific to the type of fertilizer, and a proportional valve to adjust the conveyor speed for accurate dosing based on the measured absorbance spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical probes are used to measure NPK macronutrients in solid organic fertilizers, then real-time monitoring is enabled, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to high compactness and large voids in the fertilizer material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical probes with a near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer that uses electromagnetic radiation in the 900-2500 nm range. This substitution allows measurement through the compacted fertilizer material without requiring direct contact, overcoming the limitation of optical probes that cannot penetrate the high compactness and large voids of solid organic fertilizers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from visible light (optical probes) to near-infrared radiation (NIR spectrometer). This parameter change enables the measurement system to penetrate the fertilizer material effectively, as NIR radiation can pass through the compacted structure and large voids that block visible light, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while enabling real-time monitoring.
2Manufacturing precision
If variable rate fertiliser maps are used to guide application, then precise dosing for different field zones is achieved, but accurate dosing deteriorates due to variable and unknown composition of solid organic fertilizers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the NIR spectrometer continuously measures the actual NPK content of the fertilizer during application. The controller receives these measurements and adjusts the conveyor speed in real-time to maintain the target application rate, compensating for variations in fertilizer composition. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate dosing despite the variable nature of solid organic fertilizers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of the conveyor speed based on real-time fertilizer composition measurements. Instead of using a fixed dosing rate, the system continuously adapts the application rate to match the actual fertilizer content, transforming a static dosing system into a dynamic one that responds to material variability, thereby maintaining dosing precision.
3Ease of operation
If optical probes requiring direct contact with fertilizer are used, then measurement is enabled, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to periodic prevention of contact by large voids between fertilizer clumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based optical probes with a non-contact NIR spectrometer system. The spectrometer measures fertilizer composition through electromagnetic radiation without requiring physical contact with the material, eliminating the reliability issue caused by large voids preventing probe contact while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 real-time, accurate dosing of NPK macronutrients matching the field's vegetation demand, integrating solid organic fertilizers into precision farming technology by ensuring optimal application rates.
Implementation Method 1
using the diffuse reflection method, records infrared radiation absorbance spectra
Implementation Method 2
records infrared radiation absorbance spectra
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A manure spreader for the precise application of solid organic fertilisers, comprising a near-infrared spectrometer (2) together with a measuring probe installed in the loading box (3) of the manure spreader equipped with a floor conveyor (6) and a spreading adapter (1) in which the measuring probe of the near-infrared spectrometer (2) is mounted in a holder (11) of the spectrometer probe (2) on a mounting plate (9) installed on the side wall of the manure spreader loading box (3) in that part of the manure spreader loading box (3), which is directly adjacent to the spreading adapter (6) and is spaced from it not more than 100 cm and is positioned in the lower half of the manure spreader loading box (3) above the floor conveyor (6) but not more than 30 cm above the floor conveyor (6), directly in front of the measuring probe of the near-infrared spectrometer (2) there is a set of retaining tines (12) set coaxially on a rotary axis (13) connected to a lever (15) driven by a hydraulic cylinder (14).