Mobile Supply Vehicle On-the-Go Refilling for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements face frequent downtime due to limited capacity of crop input tanks, requiring frequent refilling, which disrupts field operations and is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A crop input supply system featuring a mobile supply vehicle with a boom and coupler assembly that allows on-the-go refilling of implement tanks, using a delivery hose and crop input transfer device to transfer liquid or granular inputs, minimizing downtime by enabling continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If tanks are made larger to reduce refilling frequency, then downtime is reduced, but device complexity and mobility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the supply function into two segments: a large stationary supply source and a smaller mobile tank on the implement. The stationary source holds the bulk supply while the mobile tank is refilled in the field, resolving the contradiction between large capacity and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
A mobile refilling vehicle acts as an intermediary between the stationary supply source and the implement. It transports crop inputs to the field and refills the implement tank on-the-go, eliminating the need for the implement to carry large tanks while maintaining continuous operation.
2Productivity
If frequent stops are made to refill tanks, then tank capacity remains small, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous field operation by refilling the implement tank while the implement is in motion or immediately adjacent to the refilling vehicle. This eliminates stops and maintains continuous application of crop inputs, directly improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If operator waits for supply vehicle in the field, then tank capacity remains limited, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The implement is equipped with a coupler assembly that enables autonomous or semi-autonomous connection to the refilling vehicle. The system reduces manual intervention by providing automatic coupling mechanisms and on-the-go refilling capability, improving ease of operation while eliminating downtime.
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
The system allows for continuous operation of agricultural implements by delivering a large volume of crop inputs without stopping, reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency by resupplying tanks while the implement is in motion.
Implementation Method 1
a crop input transfer device to transfer the liquid or granular crop input from the supply tank to the implement tank
Data Source
AI summary
A crop input transfer system for transferring a crop input to an implement tank supported on an implement dispensing the crop input, the crop input transfer system includes a mobile supply vehicle powered independent of the implement. The mobile supply vehicle has a boom and a supply tank holding a crop input supply. The crop transfer system includes a coupler with a first coupler portion that matingly couples with a second coupler portion. The first coupler portion is mounted to the boom and the second coupler portion is mounted to the implement. The crop input supply in the supply tank is communicated to implement tank via the matingly coupled first and second coupler portions.