Modular Agricultural Implement for Sensor-Guided Crop-Row Weeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural systems lack precision and flexibility in automated weeding operations, particularly in varying field conditions and crop arrangements, leading to inefficiencies and the need for manual labor.
Innovation Solution
A modular and reconfigurable agricultural implement with adjustable components, including a frame, modular assemblies, and sensors, that autonomously adjusts to field conditions and crop arrangements for precise weeding and data collection, using actuators and controllers to align with crop rows for accurate operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing agricultural systems use fixed, non-modular structures for weeding operations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying field conditions and crop arrangements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The weeding system is divided into multiple independent modular assemblies that can be selectively configured. Each modular assembly contains its own actuator, sensor, and effector components, allowing the system to be segmented into functional units that can be independently adjusted for different crop types and field conditions without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can dynamically adapt to varying field conditions. The modular assemblies can be repositioned, adjusted, or reconfigured based on real-time sensor data and operational requirements, enabling the system to respond to changing agricultural conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated weeding systems lack precision in alignment with crop rows, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and weeding accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect crop row positions and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of the modular assemblies to achieve precise alignment with crop rows, eliminating the need for manual calibration while maintaining high precision through automated control loops that continuously monitor and correct positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual alignment procedures are replaced with automated sensing and control systems. Instead of requiring mechanical adjustment mechanisms for precise positioning, the system uses sensors to detect crop locations and electronically controls the actuators to achieve and maintain precise alignment, reducing mechanical complexity while improving precision.
3Productivity
If the system uses fixed configurations for weeding operations, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the productivity and operational efficiency in varying conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The modular assemblies are designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that can be used across different agricultural operations and field conditions. This universality allows the same basic modular unit to perform multiple functions (different weeding techniques, sensor configurations, actuator types) while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized production processes and supply chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in operational parameters such as weeding depth, blade angle, sensor sensitivity, and actuator speed without requiring manufacturing changes. These parameters can be adjusted through software control and mechanical adjustments within the modular assemblies, allowing high productivity across varying conditions while maintaining consistent manufacturing processes for the standardized modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
The system can include: an implement frame and a set of modular assemblies. The system can optionally include a vehicle and a set of effectors. However, the system can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system can function to facilitate automated and/or perception-based weeding and/or other automated agricultural operations. Additionally, the system can function to collect plant-level data on crops during implement operation. However, the system can additionally or alternatively be configured to provide any other suitable functionality.