Mechanical Weeding Control Using Real-Time Weed Condition Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical weeding technologies lack efficiency in adapting to varying weed and soil conditions, leading to suboptimal application of working tools.

Innovation Solution

An agricultural machine equipped with working tools for mechanical weeding that adjusts its operation based on real-time weed and soil condition data, using control signals assigned to different weed classes and conditions, allowing for precise adjustment of tool type, position, and depth of penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical weeding is applied with fixed working tools, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the adaptability to varying weed and soil conditions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying weed and soil conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of working tools based on real-time sensor data. The control unit continuously receives information about weed conditions and soil properties, then dynamically modifies operating parameters such as tool depth, speed, and configuration to optimize mechanical weeding effectiveness for varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensor devices that continuously monitor weed and soil conditions, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the system to detect changes in environmental conditions and automatically adjust working tool operations accordingly, improving adaptability while maintaining automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If working tools are operated without condition-based adjustment, then the operation is simple, but the productivity and weeding efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical weeding efficiencyVSAvoidease of tool operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically adjusts working tool operations based on sensor data without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting conditions, processing information, and executing appropriate adjustments autonomously, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving weeding productivity and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operating parameters of working tools based on detected weed and soil conditions. This includes adjusting depth, speed, and other operational parameters dynamically, which optimizes mechanical weeding efficiency while the automated parameter adjustment maintains ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If uniform weeding approach is used across all conditions, then the operation procedure is simple, but the loss of time for ineffective passes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for ineffective weeding passesVSAvoidcomplexity of condition detection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor devices detect weed and soil conditions in advance before the working tools engage. This preliminary detection allows the control unit to pre-adjust tool configurations and operating parameters, preventing ineffective passes and reducing time loss by ensuring tools are properly configured before engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual assessment and adjustment of weeding conditions with automated sensor-based detection and control systems. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with electronic sensing and automated control reduces time loss by eliminating ineffective passes while managing system complexity through integrated automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12568951B2Method for operating an agricultural machine having working tools configured for mechanical weeding and agricultural machine

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

A method for operating an agricultural machine having working tools configured for mechanical weeding including receiving in a control unit first weed condition data indicative of a first weed condition of weed to be mechanically weeded by the working tools; providing first control signals in response to receiving the first weed condition data, the first control signals assigned to the first weed condition according to operation control data stored in a memory device; operating the working tools according to the first control signals; receiving second weed condition data indicative of a second weed condition of the weed to be mechanically weeded; providing second control signals in the control unit in response to receiving the second weed condition data, the second control signals assigned to the second weed condition according to the operation control data; and operating the working tools according to the second control signals for mechanical weeding.